Friday, April 5, 2013

Fire Official cites volunteerism in firefighting


ISLAND GARDEN CITY OF SAMAL, April 5, 2013 (PIA) - Senior Supt. Louie S. Puracan,DSC,CEO VI,  Assistant Regional Director for Administration and Regional Chairman on Placement and Selection Board talked on the plight of Bureau Fire Protection  and essence of volunteerism in firefighting during the Monday Convocation at the Samal Gym in  Barangay Peñaplata , Island Garden City of Samal (IGACOS) last March 25.

Puracan cited the notable increased of fire incidents, the loss of life and the enormous damaged to property that fire could brought to the victims. 

He said, there were 44,636 fire incidents that happened in 5 years which killed 1,109 and injured 3,096 individuals and an estimated 17.08 Billion pesos damaged to properties.

Despite the trainings and skills possessed by the BFP personnel, still they need to upgrade their equipment and purchase new units of fire trucks given the big discrepancy they have with the standard ratio. In the standard ratio one firetruck supposedly serves 28,000 populations, yet at present, each firetruck serves 68,550 populations not considering the operational condition of the 1,515 firetrucks  or 48% were utilized for more than 20 years.

Puracan also stressed the need to upgrade the fire equipment, like  the personal protective equipment (PPE) needed by the BFP personnel. He said there are 6,862 sets of PPE for 14,068 personnel a variance of 7,746.

Despite the limitations in curbing fire, Puracan suggested some ways forward. He encouraged a prompt and correct payment of taxes; underscored the importance of volunteerism; to prefer a fire safety mindset and develop community resiliency.

“Fire prevention is everybody’s business; let us help our fire department.  It is better to invest in fire safety than be sorry, mas maayo pa makawatankaysamasunogan”, Puracan said.

City Mayor Aniano P. Antalan, reiterated the message of S/Supt. Puracan. He urged every employee to invest in fire safety equipment particularly the fire extinguisher in their home and establishments and avoid illegal electrical connection to avoid fire incidents.

Recently, the Bureau of Fire Protection initiated a Unity Walk joined by the local government of IGaCoS employees and Fire Olympics participated by volunteer groups from different resorts and organizations in the Island in celebration of Fire Prevention Month. (Melrose Samal CIO)

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