By Jen Baylon

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in Bacolod City said they recorded 28 structural and residential fire incidents in the first two months of this year.

BFP-Bacolod fire chief inspector Stephen Jardeleza said this was higher compared to 15 incidents reported in the same period in 2023.

They received a total of 72 fire calls from January to February this year, higher than the 30 fire calls recorded in the same period last year.

The cost of damage due to fires also exceeded P16 million, compared to P904,000 recorded in 2023.

Jardeleza said electrical-related fires accounted for 19 percent.

With the commencement of Fire Prevention Month this March, the BFP-Bacolod organized a caravan which emphasized vigilance in fire incidents.

They also urged the public to take necessary precautions to prevent fires.

To address the rising trend of fire incidents in Bacolod, the BFP has prepared various activities throughout this month, including conducting symposiums and trainings on fire prevention, and fire drills.

Jardeleza encouraged the community to practice double diligence in safeguarding their homes by avoiding overloading electrical circuits and ensuring proper electrical line maintenance.

“Aton gid padayon nga ginaayo ang doble nga paghalong sa panimalay. Indi gid pagpabay-an ang mga linya sang kuryente. Sa mga niluto, indi maggamit sang substandard nga mga butane canisters nga nasudlan sang [liquefied petroleum gas]. Indi kita mag-overload,” Jardeleza said.

“Proteksyunan naton ang aton propedad, pamilya kag mga pinalangga sa kabuhi, tungod sa sini nga mga tyempo, madasig magtaas ukon mag-ignite ang mga material bangud sa prevailing nga condition sang ma-dry kag mabaskog nga hangin, kag mataas ang temperature,” he added./JB, WDJ