BFP rolls out anti-firecracker campaign as holiday fire safety drive begins
By Chito Chavez
(Bureau of Fire Protection)
The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) launched the nationwide "Oplan Paalala–Iwas Paputok" campaign to reduce fire incidents and enforce the Fire Code and other related laws during the holiday season.
In a statement, Senior Supt. Bonifacio Carta explained that the campaign also aims to respond to man-made and natural disasters, as well as other emergencies, in addition to investigating the causes of fire incidents.
The campaign is being implemented across all regional, provincial, city, and municipal BFP stations and offices nationwide.
As part of security measures for the Yuletide season, the BFP will be placed on full alert status under “Code Blue” starting Dec. 15.
From December 23 to January 2, the alert status will be raised to “Code Red” during which all applications for leave, except for sick leave, of BRP personnel will be suspended to ensure maximum availability.
In line with the “Oplan Paalala–Iwas Paputok’’ campaign, around 32,000 BFP personnel will also be deployed to strategic areas across the country.
With the deployment of its workforce, the BFP said firetrucks and ambulances will be on standby, along with BFP First Aid Service Teams (FAST), in major thoroughfares and areas of public assembly.
Carta said this will be done in full coordination with national agencies and local government units.
The agency also vowed to intensify fire safety inspections on pyrotechnics, electrical decorations, manufacturing and processing facilities, distribution centers, high-risk establishments, and transportation hubs, including strict monitoring of designated community fireworks display areas.
“In addition, our BFP national, regional, provincial, district, city, and municipal Public Information Offices (PIOs) are also actively posting fire safety reminders in the form of short reels, audiovisual presentations, and posters on all social media platforms,” the BFP said.
The bureau reminded the public that fire safety is a shared responsibility as it urged everyone to be “proactive partners in fire prevention and safety.”
“Double-check your holiday decorations, designate a responsible person for household chores, and observe all laws pertaining to the use of firecrackers and pyrotechnics,” the BFP said.