BONTOC, Mountain Province – The Bontoc Municipal Fire Station (MFS) emphasized the importance of fire extinguishers during the regular Municipal Peace and Order Council (MPOC) meeting on June 21, 2023, held in Barangay Gonogon, Bontoc, Mountain Province.
Accordingly, the primary purpose of a fire extinguisher is to put out fires quickly and safely, which can help prevent fire from spreading and causing more damage. The extinguisher can also help people escape from a burning building by creating a clear path through the flames.
Relative to this, INSP Cesar Badang, Jr., Acting Municipal Fire Marshall of the Bontoc MFS remarked that fire extinguishers must be properly maintained and stored.
He encouraged the public to visually inspect extinguishers monthly. These include checking for any damage like dents, cracks, or rust to the outside of the extinguisher. If the extinguisher is equipped with a gauge, the needle points to the green “charged” portion of the dial. Also, the pin and tamper seal are in place and undamaged.
INSP Badang made clear that the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) does not recommend any brand, store, or distributor of fire extinguishers and firefighting equipment. Thus, he warned the public against fixers and persons using the bureau’s name to sell fire extinguishers.
Meanwhile, he reported that the Community Fire Auxiliary Group (CFAG) has been organized in Barangays Samoki, Gonogon, and Alab Proper. For Barangays Mainit and Guina-ang, the CFAG trainings are scheduled in June and July this year.
The BFP is the lead agency in the organization or establishment of CFAG in the barangays to serve as first responders during fire incidents, especially in areas that are isolated and far from the fire stations.
Also, he appealed to any interested and generous donors in the municipality who are willing to donate their lot for the construction of a substation of the Bontoc MFS.
