FIRE BUREAU WARNS VS GRASS FIRE

BFP is warning Davao Oriental residents against burning of agricultural waste as usually this causes grass fire. Grass fire in the province reached to 45 cases from January-September this year.

DAVAO ORIENTAL — Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)-Mati City marshals are cautioning residents against burning of agricultural waste to prevent grass fire.

Based on statistics released by the bureau during the Kapihan Sang Kapitolyo recently at the Provincial Capitol Grand Conference Room, there had been a total of 45 cases of grass fires in the province from January to September 2018. Residential fire has the next highest cases on the same period with a total of 36 incidents.

City Fire Marshal SINSP Christian Cena said that while the penalty and fine are lenient in RA 9003 violetion, the bureau will strictly enforce the law emphasizing its underlying cost of damage. RA 9003 is an Act that prohibits agricultural waste burning.

Cena said that based on their hazard mapping in the City of Mati, Barangay Dahican, although not heavily populated compared to other villages in the city, is the most hazardous to grass fire.

Other hazardous areas to fire incident are Barangays Dahican, Central, and Matiao and Bobon.

“We encourage the residents in the City of Mati to report to the BFP or the police if you know anyone who violates the law, especially those who burn waste materials near dry cogon grass,” Cena said.

Meanwhile, Provincial Fire Marshal SUPT Honee Fritz Abangan, who is also one of the resource persons of the media forum together with Municipal Fire Marshals, said that efforts to expedite response during fire incidents have been taken seriously by the bureau. She said that they have requested the establishment of a self-sustaining refilling station here, the installation of fire hydrants and fire alarm, and the purchase of fire trucks and other equipment. /