By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The Bacolod City Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) recently offered advice for local consumers planning to purchase Christmas lights for the ongoing holiday season, pointing out certain safety precautions when it comes to buying the decorative items.

BFP-Bacolod Fire Marshall, Fire Chief Inspector Publio Ploteña, said consumers should only buy standard lights with an import commodity clearance and seals from the Department of Trade and Industry.

Ploteña also advised consumers to install lights correctly, noting, some are meant for indoor or outdoor use. He added, such errors have cause fires in the past.

Consumers should also avoid connecting lights on their own and should contact an electrician.

Based on BFP, some previous fire incidents were attributed to sub-standard Christmas lights./DGB, WDJ