By: Pilar S. Mabaquiao
SAN JOSE, Antique – The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) enjoined the families and communities in general to be pro-active in fire safety in order to prevent the occurrence of destructive fire.
Provincial Fire Marshal Supt Randy E. Pudadera, MSCJ in a briefing with Information Officers recently underscored the importance of family training their children to be pro-active in fire safety.
“If children are properly taught at home and in school on fire prevention, we could help prevent the occurrence of destructive fire in community,” Pudadera said.
In a briefing, Pudadera emphasized that destructive fire can happen anytime even in rainy days. It can be caused by a natural phenomenon of too high temperature but also it can happen by accident due to negligence or carelessness, thus, everyone should know how to handle fire in emergency situations.
To date, BFP Antique has 139 personnel way behind the ideal ratio of one fire officer for every 2,000 population.
“Recruitment is ongoing,” Pudadera said, adding that the province has also a total of 19 fire trucks available for use detailed in 14 fire stations.
Pudadera count on the support of everyone particularly the local officials, schools and families to help in fire prevention activities.
He also urged business establishments to comply with fire safety code so they could be given Fire Safety Inspection Certificate, a requisite before their business permit could be approved or renewed.
On the other hand, PIA Manager Vicente W. Villavert thanked BFP for hosting the meeting of the IOs and reminded them of their role to disseminate programs and services of their respective agencies and LGUs so that the people will know that the government is doing its best to improve their lives. (PIA-Antique)
