06/03/2024
DILG-BFP Kicks Off Fire Prevention Month 2024
MANILA - The Bureau of Fire Protection officially kicks-off the observance of Fire Prevention Month this March with a grand Kick-Off Parade at the Quirino Grandstand, Manila today, March 1, 2024 at 3:00 in the afternoon.
Firefighters from the BFP and volunteer fire brigades, various government agencies such as the AFP, PNP, Coast Guard, MMDA, DOH, DPWH and partners in the private and corporate sector attend the civic parade of fire trucks, emergency vehicles, and related assets and capabilities at the said event.
The country continues to observe the Fire Prevention Month with Presidential Proclamation 115-A of former President Marcos Sr. in 1966. According to statistics from the BFP, fire incidents frequently occur in the months of March and April, and are seen as having a direct correlation of the rising temperatures brought about by the summer season.
Fires electrical in origin still remain to be the leading cause of these incidents, averaging at about 40.72% of the 16,433 incidents recorded in the previous year 2023. In the sweltering heat of this summer season, forest fires, particularly the ongoing incident at Benguet, have been keeping our firefighters on their toes due to the challenging terrain and difficulties in the transportation of extinguishing capabilities.
The BFP recommends the maintenance of electrical connections by licensed professionals once every two years. Exercise caution in using electricity especially with electric fans, air conditioners, and refrigerators. Having a good exit drill in the home and practicing good housekeeping are also recommended to minimize the chances of the occurrence of fire.
The BFP is continuously implementing Oplan Ligtas na Pamayanan, its flagship program in fire prevention with the immersion of our firefighters at our communities, reducing fire hazards, doing fire safety education, and pre-fire planning in our communities. We encourage the cooperation of everybody as we attempt to reduce the number of fires this year.
In case of fire and other emergencies, dial 911. Have a fire-safe day to us all!