Fires caused by firecrackers now 23 - BFP

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) said Sunday that it has recorded six additional firecracker-related fires this December, bringing the total number of such incidents to 23. 

“This December alone ay naka-record na kami ng additional six fire incidents na related sa firecracker and pyrotechnics. So from existing 17 from January 1 ay plus six sa buwan na ito, ay totaling of 23 ang namo-monitor na natin na sunog na related sa firecracker at pyrotechnics,” said BFP public information service chief Fire Supt. Anthony Arroyo in Super Radyo dzBB. 

(This December alone, we have recorded an additional six fire incidents related to firecrackers and pyrotechnics. So, from the existing 17 recorded since January 1, plus the six from this month, we are now monitoring a total of 23 fires related to firecrackers and pyrotechnics.) 

The BFP added the incidents were recorded in various parts of the country. BFP personnel are also on standby in fire-prone areas, said Arroyo. 

“Dahil identified na natin yung mga fire-prone areas[ [...] kaya naka-preposition na yung mga tao natin doon, para maka-responde na agad,” the BFP official said. 

(Now that we have already identified the fire-prone areas... our personnel are already pre-positioned there so they can respond immediately.) 

The bureau said it is closely monitoring firecracker stores especially those in Bocaue, Bulacan. 

“...Nakaantabay na rin kami doon 24/7. Talagang nagbabantay kami doon, nagpapaala sa pwedeng mangyaring aksidente doon,” said Arroyo. 

(...We are also on standby there 24/7. We are strictly monitoring the area and providing reminders about potential accidents that could occur there.) 

Ahead of the New Year revelries, the Department of Health has recorded 112 firecracker-related injuries from December 21 to 28. The highest number of cases were logged in Metro Manila with 52. 

Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police is eyeing centralized and designated markets for the sale of firecrackers and pyrotechnics to boost public safety. —Vince Angelo Ferreras/RF, GMA Integrated News