53 fires reported in Mt Prov with P2.8M damage

BONTOC, Mountain Province – The Bureau of Fire Protection provincial office reported 53 fire incidents with damage of P2.8 million on properties first quarter of the year in the province.

Out of these, 42 were  forest and grass fires, seven residential and structural fires, three vehicular and one electrical.

Two of residential fires incurred casualties and injuries. 

Fire officials bared this, saying every household should have fire extinguishers as a vital equipment in homes.

Giving fire safety tips to participants of Dept. of the Interior and Local Government- initiated provincial disaster preparedness dialogue, Fire Officer 1 Mirasol Navarra said only big buildings and some business establishments in the province are installed with fire extinguishers which are usually put in an accessible location as part of their fire protection system.

BFP house to house inspections revealed most houses in the province especially in barangays did not have fire extinguishers.

Navarra said while fire extinguishers are not intended for big or out-of-control fires, these gadgets are very handy and useful in suppressing small or starting fires while also giving time to call for help.

She advised vehicle owners to have fire extinguishers installed in their cars in case of fire emergency.

Building inspectors of the municipal fire stations, if requested, will provide trainings on the operation and use of fire extinguishers, it was learned. -- Andrew Doga-ong