Bacolod heightens alert vs grass fires

SAVING HOMES Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) firefighters put out a grass fire in Park Lote, Barangay Alijis, Bacolod City, on Feb. 3 before it hits nearby residences. —BFP-BACOLOD PHOTO

BACOLOD CITY—Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez has ordered intensified emergency response measures in at least 119 “red zones” or populated areas here identified by the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) amid the increase in fire incidents, many of which have been caused by grass fires due to the dry spell brought on by the El Niño weather phenomenon.

Benitez met with the Bacolod BFP and Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office officials on Feb. 13 to draw up mitigating measures against grass fires, some of which occurred in vacant grassy areas within residential enclaves.

They discussed the possible installation of underground fire hydrants at the center of the red zones to make it easier for firefighters to put out fires but they also have to determine if residents in such areas are informal settlers, the mayor said.

“If they are informal settlers, they can transfer to the city’s relocation sites,” Benitez said.

The BFP reported 46 fire incidents in Bacolod City from Jan. 1 to Feb. 13, causing P8.911 million in damages.

READ: BFP responded to 215 fire incidents in Bacolod City from January to June

Of the 46 fire incidents (30 in January and 16 in February), 20 happened in residential areas, the BFP said.

Red zones are thickly populated areas with narrow pathways that make it difficult for firefighters and their firetrucks to enter.

Benitez said information boards will be put up at the red zones’ entrances to warn residents to take precautions against fires to strengthen their prevention campaign.

The mayor also urged the BFP to continue coordinating with the city government for the mapping of the red zones.

Reaching out to more fire prevention volunteers was also recommended. INQ