BCFS SUSTAINS FIRE SAFETY PROGRAM

May 31, 2025 Metro BLISTT

BAGUIO CITY

The Baguio City Fire Station (BCFS) said it has strengthened fire safety measures in different areas even as fewer fire cases are reported in the first five months of 2025. SFO1 Lloyd Ashley A. Furigay, the station’s Public Information Officer said their station has strengthened
Community Fire Auxiliary Groups under the “Oplan Ligtas na Pamilya” program. These are groups of trained people in the different
barangay tasked to help put out small fires while waiting for fire trucks to arrive. Furigay said the fire department has acquired three
new fire trucks and one new tanker truck to respond faster to emergencies.

From January to April 2025, BCFS has conducted 16 fire drills,78 fire safety seminars, and 10 earthquake drills. Furigay said the fire
department regularly conducts fire safety activities in schools, barangays, and private groups. Also the station checks businesses, hotels, and public places to make sure their fire safety tools—like fire alarms, smoke detectors, sprinklers, fire exits, and fire pumps—are working.
From January to May 2025, 36 fire incidents were recorded from and claimed one death. This is 18 cases fewer than the 56 incidents reported during the same period in 2024. The fire official said structural fires in homes/ building still the most common incidents reported.

Based on data from January to May 2025, the top 3 barangays with the most fire incidents are: San Luis, Bakakeng, and Irisan. The fire station encourages residents to visit their facility to learn fire prevention methods firsthand. “We want the community, especially children, to understand fire safety deeply,” added Furigay. Social media plays a key role in spreading fire safety awareness. The fire station posts weekly safety tips on their social media platforms, ensuring consistent public education and engagement. Fire safety seminars are regularly held during barangay assemblies, teaching vital steps for handling emergencies. These sessions stress the importance of quick action, such as calling 911 immediately during a fire. In other development, BCFS plans to build more fire stations – Marcos Highway and Kisad Road.

Reanne Columbres / Jhomel Keith Nuezca – UC Interns