Faulty electrical wiring cause most NCR fires - BFP

With Fire Prevention Month just a day away, the Bureau of Fire Prevention-National Capital Region said 2012 saw around 2,000 fires break-out in Metro Manila, with faulty electrical wiring responsible for over 1,500 of these. In a report by Jun Veneracion on GMA 7 news program “24 Oras”, BFP-NCR spokesman FC/Insp. Renato Marcial said that faulty electrics is the most dangerous cause of fires as these are easily overlooked and don't occur suddenly. Signs that suggest there is a problem in a homes electricals include: blinking florescent bulbs despite the light bulbs being brand new and warm electrical outlets. These signs should immediately prompt a homeowner to call in a licensed electrician to check the electricals. Meanwhile, BFP-NCR statistics show that most of these electrical-caused fires occur in informal-settler communities. “Ang sa informal settlers kasi, hindi maayos ang pagplano ng bahay, ang kuryente ay hindi maayos ang pagka-kabit at, kung saan-saan lang nag-kakabit ng linya ng kuryente,” said Marcial. However, the BFP had to admit that their ability to fight fires was seriously hampered by a lack in fire trucks. Around 634 municipalities did not even have a single truck among them. The BFP would need a least 1,600 more fire trucks in order for them to fight fires effectively. — DVM, GMA News