INTERIOR Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. yesterday urged local government units (LGUs) to inspect buildings in their areas of jurisdiction, in coordination with local fire bureaus, to prevent the occurrence of fires.
Abalos made the appeal as the interior department, citing information from the Bureau of Fire Protection, reported an increase in fire incidence throughout the country this month.
The DILG said there were 1,332 fire incidents reported from April 1 to 26 this year, up from just 953 fire incidents reported in April last year.
The DILG said the leading cause of the fires was faulty electrical wiring, dried leaves, combustible garbage and cigarette butts.
Abalos told the LGUs they should inspect buildings to ensure their compliance to Republic Act 9514 or the Fire Code of the Philippines.
“Let us make sure buildings have fire exits, fire protection systems like sprinklers, hose boxes and other fire safety features in compliance with the Fire Code of the Philippines,” said Abalos.
“Let us not ignore these things because it’s the lives of our countrymen that is at stake here,” added Abalos.
Abalos also provided some tips to avoid the occurrence of fires, including the unplugging of appliances when they are not in use.
