Baguio fire incidents drop by 59.18 percent

27 July 2021 – Fire incidents in the city for the first semester of this year dropped by 59.18 percent compared to the reported fire incidents during the same period last year, an official of the Baguio City fire station reported.

Based on the data obtained from this office, firefighters responded to some 20 fire incidents reported in the different parts of the city from January to June this year compared to the 49 recorded fire incidents during the same period last year.

Of the 20 reported fire incidents this year, 15 were structural fires, 3 were forest fires and 1 incident each was vehicular and electrical fire incidents.

In terms of damages, the local fire station recorded more than P1.3 million damages inflicted by the 20 fire incidents this year compared to the more than P2.1 million damages inflicted by the 49 fire incidents last year which reflected a decrease of 35.25 percent.

On the other hand, the Baguio fire station was able to collect more than P16.2 million in fire code fees for this year.

On fire prevention activities, the fire station reported that its personnel conducted some 17,420 fire inspections on business establishments while there were some 224 building plans that were reviewed where 9 of which were eventually disapproved because of violations on fire safety.

Further, some 17,380 fire safety inspection certificates for business permits were issued by the said office while there were some 168 fire safety inspection certificates for occupancy permits were released, 47 fire safety inspection certificates for the Philippine Economic Zone Authori8ty (PEZA) locators were processed, 3 fir safety inspection certificates for government buildings were granted and 85 notices to correct violations were also released.

At present, the Baguio fire station headed by Fire Chief Inspector Jessie S. Annasiw has a total strength of 79 personnel that includes 54 personnel who are assigned at the main station, 3 non-uniformed personnel, 6 personnel are based at the Irisan fire sub-station, 7 personnel are assigned at the Quirino Hill fire sub-station, 9 personnel are designated at the Aurora Hill fire sub-station and 5 personnel are assigned at the mega swabbing facility based in the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan.

Of the 79 personnel, 69 are non-commissioned officers and 2 are commissioned, officers.

According to the report, 7 personnel have special trainings as emergency medical technicians and 6 have undergone basic rescue technicians or special rescue unit trainings.

Local firefighters responded to some 102 non-fire-related incidents or emergency calls during the first semester of this year compared to the 146 non-fire incidents or emergency calls that were received last year which reflected a reduction of 30.13 percent decrease.

Of the 102 non-fire related incidents, 46 were medical emergency responses, 33 were trauma incidents and 23 were vehicular accidents that were responded. The Baguio fire station remains steadfast in responding to fire suppression and non-fire-related incidents to prevent loss of lives and damages to properties. – Dexter A. See