TABUK CITY, Kalinga – The Bureau of Fire Protection-Tabuk City (BFP-Tabuk) has recorded nine fire incidents so far in the first quarter of 2023.
Of the total figure, two were residential fires, one happened at a school, and six were grass/forest fires, reported Tabuk City Fire Marshall SINSP. Ronald Rivera during the press forum of the City Public Information Office on March 15, 2023.
Rivera said the fire incidents were all accidental in nature and no casualties were recorded.
According to Rivera, unattended cooking fires are the primary cause of house fires, whereas farm clearing is the primary cause of grass/forest fires.
This Fire Prevention Month, the BFP-Tabuk has intensified their inspection of public buildings including schools, barangay halls, hotels, boarding houses, and hospitals.
“As per general observation mi [of schools], ti mostly or common nga deficiencies is the dangling electrical wirings nga talaga and yung mga ceiling fans nila is centralized yung switch,” Rivera said, adding that the schools have given assurance that they will comply with their recommendations.
The Dagupan public market has also undergone an initial assessment, according to Rivera, and early recommendations have been made to the market administrator to construct a fire hydrant and widen its access roads as it is currently too narrow for fire engines.
Rivera said the inspection of the public market is ongoing.
Last week, the BFP-Tabuk also completed the final inspection of the Dagupan Weste barangay hall. “We are very thankful to Barangay Dagupan Weste that our findings and recommendations initially have been complied like the provision of signages and secondary exits,” Rivera said.
Still part of the Fire Prevention Month, BFP-Tabuk is still taking part in visiting schools to educate students about fire safety and fire drill simulations.
According to Rivera, Tabuk City is being considered as the venue for the culmination event of the regional Fire Prevention Month celebration, and the BFP-Cordillera regional director is anticipated to participate.
