Lawmaker urges BFP to be prepared for earthquake fires

In preparation for a destructive earthquake that may hit Metro Manila, a party-list representative urged the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) to be “fully prepared” for earthquake fires.

Rep. Arnel Ty of the LPG Marketers’ Association (LPG-MA) said “the BFP should be fully prepared to quickly respond to and suppress deadly infernos that may be set off by a powerful earthquake.”

Ty, a member of the Filipino-Chinese Volunteer Fire Brigade, said fire was one of the biggest hazards of a strong earthquake, which could “rupture gasoline service stations, rip the gas-fed, piped-in cooking and cooling systems of residential, office and commercial buildings, and even tear oil depots.”

“A potential complication is that our water mains and fire hydrants will likely also be busted during a violent quake, so the BFP should be ready to draw water straight from the Pasig River or from the nearest dams, if necessary,” he said.

The lawmakers called on the BFP to start identifying sources of heavy equipment such as bulldozers and cranes in every city and municipality, which could help in rescue operations.

“These machines will be helpful in swiftly moving dirt needed to fight oil and chemical fires, which have to be smothered with topsoil to reduce the supply of oxygen and the toxic exhaust of smoke,” he said.

“Fast-burning events such as oil and chemical blazes are difficult to extinguish and produce heavy fumes that carry carbon monoxide and other toxins released from the breakdown of compounds,” he added.

The lawmaker reiterated his call for the BFP to acquire the best training and equipment to save lives and properties against deadly fires.

The lawmaker earlier urged the BFP to procure fireboats and helitankers that could fight blazes from the Pasig River and from the air.

The government has intensified its preparations for a possible strong earthquake after thousands of people died in a quake that hit Nepal.

State seismologists had said that the West Valley Fault situated in some areas in Metro Manila and nearby provinces may cause a strong tremor anytime, which may claim thousands of lives. NC/RC