BFP wants buildings violating Fire Code closed

MANILA, Philippines - Following a series of fire incidents in Metro Manila, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) on Thursday said it wants to close down establishments that do not abide by the Fire Code. A report over radio dzBB said BFP information chief Arnold Alba made the statement after the BFP’s inspections showed that several business establishments in Metro Manila and nearby provinces have defects in their facilities. Alba said establishment managements have not complied with their Notices to Correct Violation so the BFP will coordinate with local government units regarding their recommendations on the defective buildings. Last August 13, Interior Secretary Ronaldo Puno ordered the BFP to conduct strict fire safety inspections of buildings and charge building owners who refuse to comply with the Fire Code. Puno issued the directive to BFP director Enrique Linsangan, following three recent Metro Manila fires that destroyed millions worth of property – the Wellcomm Plaza and Baclaran Mall in Pasay City and the Good Earth Plaza in Manila. Interior Undersecretary Marius Corpus said the following are the common Fire Code violations and deficiencies of establishments: • no secondary exit at the projection room • no wet standpipe system • no standard fire exit or fire doors with a self-closing mechanism are not provided • no extension of fire escape to ground floor • corridors, walls, ceiling and openings are of light wooden materials • defective manual fire alarm • no smoke and heat detector • inadequate battery operated emergency light Building managements can correct such defects and deficiencies within 30 to 60 days, Corpus said. - Johanna Camille Sisante, GMANews.TV