CEBU CITY – Some households have resorted to using candles to light up their homes after a massive power outage struck the city due to the damage caused by Typhoon Odette.
The Cebu City Fire Office (CCFO) disclosed that lighted candles were the common causes in the series of fire incidents that hit the city after last December 16's typhoon.
SFO2 Wendel Villanueva, spokesperson of (CCFO), said that a total of 21 fire incidents were recorded in the city from December 17 to December 27.
"70 percent of the fire cases during that period were caused by lighted candles," Villanueva said.
According to Villanueva, four fire incidents happened last Dec. 17, two last Dec. 18, one last Dec. 19, three last Dec. 20, two last Dec. 22, one last Dec 23, five last Dec. 24, two last Dec. 25 and one last Dec. 27.
At least P21 million worth of properties were destroyed in those fire cases, said Villanueva.
The CCFO expressed alarm due to the series of fire incidents. With this, the public was advised to take extra care when using candles and kerosene lamps at night.
"Make sure to put out the candles and lamps when going to sleep," said Villanueva.
Some residents have also been restoring gasoline for their generator sets at home which contributes to the risk of fire, Villanueva added.
Due to dry leaves and branches from toppled trees and flammable materials being kept in households, the CCFO has discouraged the use of firecrackers during the New Year's celebration.
The scarcity of water will also make it harder for fighters to respond to fire incidents, Villanueva said.
Leading to the New Year, the CCFO will intensify its fire prevention campaign.
“There are so many alternatives that we can use to make noise during New Year's revelry. We don't have to use firecrackers," Villanueva said.
City Mayor Michael Rama has ordered the police to arrest individuals who will be caught using firecrackers to greet the New Year.
The order was given during Monday's flag ceremony at the City Hall Grounds.
Echoing the call of CCFO, Rama said it will be dangerous to use firecrackers due to the current situation in the city.
“There will be no fire crackers, no pyrotechnic, no fireworks until we are already well. Let us be patient or we will continue counting the number of fire incidents in the city," Rama said.