By Mae Singuay

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in Bacolod City has identified 119 “red zones” in the city, following a string of fire incidents in some villages recently.

BFP-Bacolod Fire Chief Inspector Stephen Jardeleza, in a meeting with city officials yesterday, said red zones are areas that are difficult to reach during fire incidents.

Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez wants to intensify emergency response in the red zones, as the number of fire incidents has increased in the past few months.

Benitez urged BFP to continue coordinating with the city government for the red zones mapping.

Meanwhile, Liga ng mga Barangay president, Taculing Punong Barangay Lady Gles Pallen, said the identified red zones have interior roads which firetrucks find it hard to penetrate in case of fire.

Pallen said that they will assess the areas if there is a need to install fire hydrants.

They will also conduct firefighting demonstrations for residents, including proper pail relay techniques.

“Paintyindihon gid ang pumuluyo nga wala sang makabulig una kundi ang self nila mismo. Gani tudluan gid sila sang pail relay,” Pallen said.

For barangay councils, they will hold forums in coordination with the BFP’s Ligtas na Pamayanan campaign, she added.

They will also strengthen the Community Fire Auxilliary Groups, including barangay-based firefighters and first responders, in 61 city barangays.

The city government and the BFP will also distribute fire-safety leaflets./MS, WDJ