Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 26) — The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) is under a “code red” status until Jan. 1, 2024 to maintain a full force during the New Year revelry, with the bureau hoping no fire incidents will add to an already 15,000 tally this year.
“Ito ay siyempre code red kung saan lahat po ay kailangan tayo rumesponde in case kakailanganin po ang ating serbisyo,” BFP spokesperson FSupt. Annalee Atienza said in a televised public briefing on Tuesday.
“Wala pong allowed na naka-leave ngayong panahon na ito dahil kailangan full force ang ating buong pwersa ng Bureau of Fire Protection,” she added.
[Translation: The code red means we need to respond in case our services will be needed. No one is allowed to go on leave this time as the Bureau of Fire Protection needs to be in full force.]
Atienza said the “code red,” which was raised within the bureau since Dec. 23, could be extended “depending on the situation.”
The BFP official said the bureau is still continuing its fire prevention activities such as roving operations, fire truck visibility, and inspection of firecracker manufacturers and sellers.
Fire incidents up by 20% in 2023
Atienza said the BFP recorded 15,679 fire incidents from Jan. 1 to Dec. 26 this year, which is a 20.7% increase from last year’s tally of around 12,000 in the same period.
She said the majority of blazes this year were in residential areas. Top causes were electrical ignitions caused by arcing, electrical bursts due to loose connections, and lighted cigarettes.
Atienza said this year’s count included 24 fire incidents caused by firecrackers, but she noted there were no incidents logged from Dec. 24 to Dec. 26.
RELATED: DOH: Fireworks-related injuries reach 52 after Christmas Day
“Panalangin talaga natin panatilihin na itong zero fire incident hanggang pumasok ang 2024,” Atienza added.
[Translation: We pray this zero fire incident will be maintained until 2024 comes in.]
The BFP official advised those who would use firecrackers or set up a fireworks display to conduct it in a safe and wide area and done by an adult. Pails of water or sand must be prepared nearby and preferably to have fire extinguishers.
She also recommended to use alternative noise makers for the New Year’s celebration such as pots and pans, videoke machines, and car horns.
Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos has urged local government units to issue ordinances banning firecrackers and individual firework displays to minimize related injuries in the coming holiday season.
