After the completion of fire safety inspections at business process outsourcing (BPO) firms across Bacolod City, Bureau of Fire Protection-Bacolod City (BFP-Bacolod) chief, Fire Chief Inspector Publio Ploteña, ordered similar inspections at city shopping malls, in light of the Metro Department Store fire at the Ayala Center Cebu that broke out last week.

In an interview with ABS-CBN’s The Morning Show yesterday, Ploteña said shopping malls in the city are regularly inspected by the BFP as part of the business permit renewal process; however, he emphasized, mall owners are liable for the safety of their occupants and tenants and they should cooperate with requirements provided by the BFP.

“Requirements aim to eliminate the cause of death or possible damages,” Ploteña said.

He added, mall owners should handover maintenance records during fire safety inspections, explaining they show if fire suppression systems are in good working order.

The city fire chief pointed out, such establishment should hire fire safety officers or safety engineers, who would monitor the building’s safety and inform the mall owner if they find discrepancies in the building’s maintenance.

Ploteña also noted, establishments should not padlock fire exits and suggested using “panic doors,” which automatically open if pushed from the inside.

The fire in Cebu City burned for three days before a “fire out” was declared./DGB, WD