BAGUIO CITY – The Baguio City Fire Station assured that businesses and residences in the city are compliant to the fire safety standards following the issuance of the requisite fire safety inspection certificates and fire safety evaluation certificates to various structures around the city.
Senior Fire Officer 4 (SFO4) Raul D. Doctolero, chief of the BCFS fire safety enforcement section, said that the local fire station issued 22,588 fire safety inspection certificates and 547 fire safety evaluation certificates to the various businesses, establishments and residences in the different parts of the city.
He added that the BCFS also ensured the strict implementation of the pertinent provisions of Republic Act (RA) 9514 or the Fire Code of the Philippines that resulted in the collection of more than PhP20.9 million from fire safety fees paid by various owners of structures.
The BCFS official claimed that this amount collected as fees is used to significantly improve their firefighting capabilities, upgrade their equipment and enhance the different fire safety programs for the benefit of establishment and residential owners.
Doctolero also assured that the local fire station continues to strengthen public awareness by conducting a series of fire drills and fire safety seminars in both private and government establishments to reinforce the importance of preparedness in preventing the occurrence of untoward incidents that may compromise the safety of the public.
On the other hand, he reported that the BCFS reinforced its emergency response efforts with firefighters responding to some 96 fire incidents which serves as a reminder of the risk of fire and the need for constant vigilance among the city residents.
Moreover, BCFS’s emergency medical services responded to some 552 calls for assistance that provided lifesaving aid to those in need while 96 operational deployments ensured swift and effective emergency responses.
According to him, these numbers represent more than just statistics as they reflect the dedication and hard work of the firefighters and emergency responders who always stand ready to protect residents at all times.
He appealed to the people to commit to make fire safety a part of their daily lives by starting with simple steps such as unplugging unused appliances, avoiding overloaded electrical outlets and ensuring that fire extinguishers are accessible at home and in the workplace.
He reiterated that the public should always remember ‘Sa Pag-iwas sa Sunog, di ka Nag-iisa.’
Doctolero emphasized that the BCFS is always ready to save lives and properties, but people must continue working together to keep the city safe. By Dexter A. See
