The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) asked the public, particularly the motorists, to give way to responding firefighters on board fire trucks responding to emergencies to ensure that life-saving rescue operations are not compromised.
In. statement, the BFP said their response is affected by the behavior of some motorists, adding that there is an urgent need for driver discipline and accountability to ensure that life-saving rescue operations are not jeopardized by unruly and impatient motorists.
The BFP also pointed out that the alarming trend of drivers capitalizing on the cleared paths of emergency vehicles, a reckless habit that frequently leads to road accidents.
BFP spokesperson Supt. Anthony Arroyo pleaded to the public to immediately contact the BFP to allow the fighters to respond to emergencies as soon as possible.
“Huwag muna mag-facebook Live. Mas unahin niyo muna tumawag sa bombero (BFP) para agad kaming makaresponder. Huwag kalimutan ang 911 (Unified 911 Emergency Hotline). Ito ay tatlong numero lamang (Don’t go on facebook live right away. Contact the firefighters first for us to respond right away. Don’t forget to dial 911. These are only three numbers),’’ Arroyo asserted.
With the prevailing inclement weather in parts of the country, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) assured to be up on its toes to respond to possible urgent and emergency situations.
Arroyo stressed that the bureau will be alert anytime if rescue operations, evacuation and other assistance are needed by the local government units (LGUs).
In case of inclement weather or heavy flooding in the communities, Arroyo reminded the public to turn off the main electricity switch to prevent live electrical wires from getting wet, which may cause fire incidents.
Earlier, officer-in-charge (OIC) Chief Supt. Wilbert Rico Neil Kwan Tiu pointed out that disaster management “begins with every Filipino, embracing a culture of safety, security, discipline and self-help as true resilience starts within each individual.’’
He highlighted the vital role of the BFP in all forms of crisis and disaster management, from fire suppression and rescue operations to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.