The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)-Manila and the TXTFIRE Philippines encouraged the public to reduce water consumption in preparation for the effects of El Niño and for the observance of Fire Prevention Month in March.

During the Manila City Hall Reporters' Association (MACHRA) "Balitaan" forum at the Harbor View Restaurant in Ermita, Manila, on Friday, Jan. 26, BFP-Manila Fire Marshall Senior Supt. Christine Doctor-Cula and TXTFIRE Philippines co-founder Gerik Chua said that they will conserve more water since power interruptions can be expected during this season.

Cula said that when there is a power interruption, BFP usually receives water supply requests to resupply the affected areas.

She said through conserving water, and with the help of volunteers, BFP can release less water, so they can always have enough supply to be able to respond immediately to fire emergencies.

Cula added that they are partnering with Maynilad Water Services, Inc. (Maynilad) and Manila Water. 

“In case of fire, [para alam nila] saan ang hydrant na lalakasan nila (Maynilad and Manila Water) ang pressure ng tubig (so that Maynilad and Manila Water can know where the hydrant is and they will increase the water pressure whenever there is a fire),” she said. 

Fire prevention month

They also discussed the most common causes of fire incidents and how they continue to raise awareness.

They said that electrical, smoking, and open flames are the top three things that caused a fire.

They said that they raised public awareness for fire prevention through information drives on their social media accounts, as well as posting information materials in some places.

BFP is also conducting “Oplan ligtas na pamayanan,” wherein its firefighters knock on each household and offer to check their electrical wiring to ensure their safety.

Part of the program is teaching communities how to use fire extinguishers so they can save themselves when a fire starts in their areas or houses while firefighters are still on their way to the scene.

TXTFIRE Philippines volunteers are also conducting a talk session with every community, especially the kids, teaching them what to do during a fire incident to save their lives.

They also reminded people to avoid tapping into any connection with overhead lines, service drops, or other electric service wires, as it is one of the main causes of fire and is also illegal.  

Cula said all BFP's fire trucks are scheduled to test the places that have strong water pressure so they know where to get water in case of emergencies.

She added that through coordination with Maynilad and Manila Water, they have identified places that have fountains, pools, and bodies of water where they can get a water supply to suppress a fire.