Only 10 of Makati’s 239 hydrants defective, says fire exec

A check of Makati’s fire hydrants showed that of the 239 scattered throughout the city, only 10 do not work.

Greg Elbambo, deputy fire marshal, said these “nonfunctional” hydrants were located in Barangays Bangkal, Palanan, Poblacion and Comembo.

He added that his office had already informed the water concessionaire in charge of these areas and asked it to “make the necessary repairs so that the hydrants could be used in case of fire in the vicinity.”

According to Elbambo, the 229 hydrants in “working condition” are located in Pio del Pilar, La Paz, Tejeros, Valenzuela, West Rembo and Guadalupe Nuevo.

Elbambo said his office had also completed the inspection of 2,621 establishments in Makati as of March 31.

While none was recommended “for correction or closure,” he said in the establishments lacking in requirements to ensure fire safety, the local fire department reviewed building plans (146 establishments), conducted lectures (181) and fire drills (37), and trained volunteer fire brigades (181).

He said so far, the local fire department has issued 964 fire safety inspection certificates to “fully compliant” establishments.

Nine preschool, primary and secondary schools were also visited to raise their personnel’s “fire safety and preparedness.”

These were Havens Montessori (Guadalupe), Palanan Elementary School, Nicanor Garcia Elementary School (Olympia), Maximo Estrella Elementary School (Carmona), Comembo Elementary School, Barangay Tejeros Day Care Center, Bangkal Elementary School, East Rembo Elementary School and Rizal Elementary School.