• CHERYL G. CRUZ
The Sangguniang Panlungsod of Bacolod is pushing for the repair of existing, or installation of new, fire hydrants within the identified red zones, or fire-prone areas, in the city that have reached around 287.
The resolution, authored by Councilor Celia Matea Flor, with Councilor Psyche Marie Sy as co-proponent, was approved during the SP session Sept. 16, following the midnight fire in Barangay 27 Sept. 12 that affected 289 families, or 993 individuals, with damage estimated at P4.5 million.
“Firefighters encountered challenges due to narrow access roads and limited water supply sources, underscoring the urgent need for adequate fire hydrants in high-risk communities,” the resolution stressed.
Flor said it has also been observed that several existing hydrants are nonfunctional or poorly maintained, limiting their effectiveness during fire emergencies. “The installation of new hydrants in red zone areas, coupled with the repair and regular maintenance of existing hydrants, would greatly enhance the firefighting capacity of the Bureau of Fire Protection, and reduce property losses and displacement of families, in case of fire incidents.”
The resolution requested PrimeWater-Baciwa, through the Office of the City Mayor, to install new and repair existing fire hydrants in strategic locations within the identified red zones.
The fire-prone areas earlier identified included puroks of barangays Handumanan, Tangub, Banago, Taculing, Mandalagan, Bata, Estefania, Sum-ag, Granada, 1, Villamonte, Cabug, Singcang, Pahanocoy, 8, 2, 6, 10, Punta Taytay, 3, 4, 7, 12, 14, 16, 26-28, 30, 31, 34, 35, 39-41, Mansilingan, and Alijis.
“The protection of life and property from the dangers of fire is a paramount concern of the city government,” the SP said.
It also approved another resolution, authored by Councilor Em Ang, urging the BFP to conduct comprehensive safety inspections and assessments of fire-prone areas, especially in densely-populated community-risk “red zones”, like Barangay 27.
“(The) catastrophic fire that severely affected households of Barangay 27 highlighted the urgent need for strengthened fire safety measures, and the safety of all citizens, particularly in identified high-risk areas, must be prioritized to prevent future tragedies,” Ang stressed.
The BFP’s role is vital in ensuring public safety, through effective prevention, inspection, and emergency response, she added. “It is necessary to enhance fire safety protocols and enforcement measures to mitigate the risk of similar incidents in the future.”
She also urged the BFP to recommend the strict enforcement of fire safety protocols, including adherence to Building Codes, proper fire exits, and electrical safety standards; and to encourage the implementation of effective early warning and emergency response systems.
There is need for prompt action and focus on safety improvements in red zones, the resolution said.
The SP likewise expressed its “strongest sympathy and solidarity with the survivors” of the recent fire, and called for immediate appropriate assistance and measures to prevent such incidents in the future. “The city recognizes the hardship and suffering experienced by the survivors and their families, and affirms its commitment to provide assistance and support. It is imperative to strengthen fire safety measures and emergency response systems to prevent similar incidents in the future.” | CGC
