Hundreds of fire hydrants tampered, chopped up – BFP

Tampering and theft are among the top reasons hundreds of fire hydrants are not available for use during emergencies.

 

Out of 15,320 fire hydrants in the Philippines, 1,845 are out of commission and 113 are under repair, a top official of the Bureau of Fire Protection said.

 

"Ang ibang mga fire hydrants ay nagde-deteriorate na because of wear and tear. Yung iba, because of pilferage, may mga ninanakaw na mga takip ng ating mga hydrants, ang iba ay natatabunan ng mga basura," BFP Supt. Renato Marcial said on GMA's "24 Oras" Wednesday.

 

Authorities attempted to put fire hydrants into underground holes protected under lock and key to prevent tampering, but there are still reports of missing parts.

 

Tampering of fire hydrants was cited as one of the reasons for the slow response to the 12-hour fire at Parola Compound in Tondo, Manila last Monday evening.

 

Under Republic Act 9514 or the Fire Code of the Philippines, a fine of P12,500 to P25,000 and jail time of six months will be imposed on persons who tamper with fire hydrants or interrupt fire lanes.

 

"Magkaisa tayo kasi buhay at ari-arian yung pinag-uusapan dito. 'Pag walang tubig, pano pa naman makaka-apula ng apoy 'yung bumbero?," Marcial said.  — Rie Takumi/ELR, GMA News