The Bureau of Fire Protection and the UNTV Fire Brigade in action. (UNTV News)
MANILA, Philippines – The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) has recorded only 7 fire incidents during the year-end revelry on Monday (December 31) midnight to 8:00 a.m. of Tuesday (January 1).
According to BFP Spokesperson FSupt. Joanne Vallejo, six incidents were recorded in Metro Manila and one in Ilocos.
All cases were caused by faulty electrical wiring system and none were firecracker related.
According to BFP, the figures this year is lower by 82.35% as compared to the record in 2018 with 34 fire incidents.
The estimated amount of damage from all seven fire incidents were recorded at more than P70,000, a significant decline from P7.5 million-worth of damage in 2017.
For the entire year, however, the agency recorded a total of 16,215 fire cases which was higher than last year with only 14,117.
But despite the increase in number of fire incidents this year, the overall amount of damage was lower with only P4.3 billion pesos as compared to last year which hit P21 billion pesos.
According to the agency, the only firecracker-related fire involved a tricycle in Bulacan loaded with firecracker.
“Sa palagay ko mam it is not about the rain or because of the rain kasi po ang leading po na cause ng sunog natin ay electrical,” Vallejo added.
Meanwhile, rains did not minimize the level of pollution that firecracker fumes caused the air.
According to the Environment Management Bureau (EMB) Assistant Director Vizminda Osorio, the highest level of pollution was recorded in between 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. in the morning on January 1.
In Parañaque, the level of PM2.5 reached to about 315 micrograms per normal cubic meter which is ‘hazardous’ while the level was noted ‘very unhealthy’ in Pasig City.
Ang PM2.5 is the smallest particles of air pollutants that can be harmful and can cause respiratory problems.
“Kapag ma-inhale mo ang klase ng hangin na kasama ang concentration doon ay talagang maapektuhan ang baga and even ang sa heart mo,” said EMB Assistant Director Vizminda Osorio.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), meanwhile, agreed for a total ban of firecrackers to minimize pollution. – Marje Pelayo (with reports from Rey Pelayo)
The post BFP reports significant decline in fire cases in welcoming the new year appeared first on UNTV News.