LAOAG CITY – A fire incident at a grocery store in Barangay 2, Garreta, Badoc, Ilocos Norte, has prompted the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) to issue a renewed call for public vigilance regarding fire safety measures. The fire, which occurred early Wednesday morning, is currently under investigation by the BFP.
According to Philippines News Agency, chief of the Public Information Unit of BFP-Ilocos Norte, the fire started around 5:20 a.m. in a building owned by Emma Baldovi and was successfully extinguished by 6:45 a.m. The BFP in Badoc station, which responded to the first alarm, is conducting an investigation to determine the cause of the blaze.
In light of the incident and the approaching New Year celebrations, the BFP has already launched ‘Oplan Paalala-Iwas Paputok’, a nationwide campaign to prevent firecracker-related incidents. BFP personnel in Ilocos Norte have been on ‘Code Red’ full alert status since December 23, 2023, and will remain so until January 1, 2024.
Lucero emphasized the readiness of all personnel to respond to fires that may be caused by faulty Christmas lights, firecrackers, and other hazards. He also provided fire safety tips, including the use of fire extinguishers or pails of water to quickly address potential fires caused by firecrackers.
Additionally, Lucero advised households with anahaw roofing to wet their roofs an hour before New Year’s Eve as a precaution against firecrackers. The BFP-Ilocos Norte team has also been conducting inspections of firecracker vendors, confiscating illegal fireworks, verifying permits, and ensuring the availability of emergency fire extinguishers in stores.
The BFP listed several prohibited firecrackers, including watusi, piccolo, pop pop, Super Lolo, and others. Under Republic Act No. 7183, penalties for those caught manufacturing, selling, distributing, or purchasing illegal firecrackers include imprisonment and fines.
Furthermore, the BFP encourages the public to use alternative noise-making methods such as ‘torotot’ (horns), car honks, banging pot lids and pan covers, and playing music to celebrate the New Year, thereby reducing the risk of fire-related accidents.