Fire Safety Alert: Bureau of Fire Protection Issues Caution Following Grocery Store Fire in Laoag City"

 Laoag City's Bureau of Fire Protection Issues Fire Safety Reminder Following Grocery Store Incid

In response to a fire incident at a grocery store in Barangay 2, Garreta, Badoc, Ilocos Norte, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in Laoag City renewed its call for the public to exercise caution. Firefighters from the BFP in Badoc are currently investigating the cause of the fire, which started around 5:20 a.m. and was declared under control by 6:45 a.m.

The BFP had previously initiated the nationwide "Oplan Paalala-Iwas Paputok" to prevent firecracker-related incidents during the holiday season. BFP personnel in Ilocos Norte have been on "Code Red" status from December 23, 2023, to January 1, 2024.

Fire Officer III Lee Jay Lucero, Chief of the Public Information Unit of BFP-Ilocos Norte, emphasized the readiness of personnel to respond to fires resulting from faulty Christmas lights, firecrackers, and other potential causes. Lucero also reminded the public of fire safety tips and the proper handling of firecrackers.

To prevent fires in homes due to firecrackers, residents are advised to have fire extinguishers or buckets of water readily available for immediate use. Households with "anahaw" (palm leaves) roofing are further urged to wet the roofing an hour before New Year’s revelry as a precaution against falling lighted firecrackers.

BFP-Ilocos Norte personnel are actively inspecting firecracker vendors to ensure they comply with regulations, confiscate illegal fireworks, and verify the presence of emergency fire extinguishers in their stores.

Prohibited firecrackers include watusi, piccolo, pop pop, Super Lolo, boga, and others listed under Republic Act No. 7183. The law imposes imprisonment and fines for those involved in manufacturing, selling, distributing, and purchasing illegal firecrackers.

The BFP encourages the use of alternative noisemakers such as "torotot" or horns, car or motor honks, and other creative means to celebrate the new year safely and responsibly.