Around 37,000 firefighters are deployed in the country to maintain public safety as the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) is currently under highest alert status for the observance of the All Saints Day and All Souls Day.
In a statement, the BFP explained that the “OPLAN Kaluluwa’’ was mobilized to promote fire prevention, community safety and emergency response preparedness during the public’s observance of All Saints Day and All Souls Day.
Further, the BFP noted that “CODE RED’’ was imposed in anticipation of the possible adverse effect of Typhoon Storm “Leon.’’
As part of the initiative, the BFP stated that it will conduct “rekorida (public safety patrol)’’ to monitor potential hazards in the residences and areas of assembly.
The BFP assured that “Emergency Medical Service’’ stations will be set up for the immediate response to emergency incidents in public places.
“These will be manned by medical personnel, first aid supplies, ambulances and FAST (First Aid Service Team) motorcycles to provide motorist assistance along major routes,’’ the BFP disclosed.
In the case of fire incidents, the BFP reported that 1,391 have occurred nationwide that originated from open flames on rubbish and bonfires which tops such cases.
“This is followed by electrical fires caused by arcing, 1062 and lighted cigarette buts, 935. About 15,945 fires have occurred in the country since the start of this year,’’ the BFP added.
Electrical arcing is when electricity jumps from one connection to another, producing a spark or arc.
The BFP appealed to the public “to be vigilant in the usage of candles, matches and lighters in the observance of Undas.’’