The NCCC fire -- a tragic loss

What worries -- no, SCARES -- me about the NCCC Fire is that our BFP and 911 Disaster Team were NOT able to save 38 persons from a 4-STORY building. I'm shocked -- shocked. -- I tell ya.

What chances will Dabawenyos have if a fire or an earthquake hits a MULTIstory building like Gaisano Mall, Marco Polo, or Pryce Tower or Landco, or the Ayala Condos? NADA. Looking back at the NCCC Fire, these would have helped save lives:

1. SSI should have equipped each call center agent with: a GAS MASK, a FLASHLIGHT, a supervisor trained to lead them to the right exit, and a fireretardant blanket or raincoat.

2. NCCC should have (1) Built more WINDOWS and EXIT DOORS with retractable LADDERS. (2) FIRE AXES to break open windows or walls (3) Made sure that the fire alarms and sprinkler systems work -- with plenty of water (4) Not stocked FLAMMABLE materials (paint, varnish, turpentine, lacquer, synthetic cloth, plastic items, etc.) (5) Provided RAPPELLING and/or ZIP LINES (6) Conducted quarterly fire/earthquake drills.

3. The 911 Disaster Team and the BFP should be equipped: (1) Telescoping, extendable LADDERS to reach building roofs (2) Telescoping, extendable SCAFFOLDINGS to reach the roofs (3) Trampoline to safely catch jumping people. (4) Fire hoses mounted on extendable platforms to reach the roof (5) A helicopter to facilitate rooftoprescues (6) A plane to spray fire-retardant (same plane for spraying fertilizer)

4. The City Government should NOT give building permits to HIGH-RISE buildings (hotels, condos, offices) if the city (or the owners) cannot guarantee the safety of residents and tenants.

5. There are SURVIVOR accounts. It's possible that fire inspection and business permits were in order -- only on paper -- but I believe the survivors who said there were no ALARMS, no working SPRINKLERS, no WINDOWS, and not enough EXITS.