BFP supports total ban on fireworks

The Bureau of Fire Protection said it was open to a total fireworks ban as this would drastically reduce the amount of fire incidents during New Year's Eve celebrations, GMA 7 news program “24 Oras” reported on Wednesday.

BFP Spokesman F/Supt. Rene Marcial explained that all kinds of fireworks can cause fires. “Ang tingin ng Bureau of Fire kasi diyan, kahit ito'y legal, for as long na may pulbura at may baga, sumasabog, ito'y delikado,” he said.

During last year's New Year's Eve celebrations the BFP recorded 18 fires across Metro Manila.

The bureau thus established a program in various barangays that demonstrate safe alternatives to fireworks.

The Ecowaste Coalition, for their part, conducted their “Iwas Paputoxic Outreach Program” in Project 6, Quezon City to dissuade residents from using fireworks.

The group also coordinated with barangay officials to ensure the safety of residents. “Ang advocacy at information dissemination ay parte ng kanilang trabaho upang siguraduhin na ligtas sa pinsala, ligtas sa basura, ligtas sa epekto ng masamang hangin ang bawat constituent lalo na ligtas sa mga sunog,” Ecowaste Coalition Coordinator Aileen Lucero said.

So far, the Health Department has recorded a total of 148 fireworks-related injuries, 78 percent of which caused by the infamous piccolo - a banned firecracker. — Andrei Medina/DVM, GMA News