DAVAO ORIENTAL—The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) here has warned the public against using substandard lights, particularly Christmas lights, which was allegedly found to be the cause of the fire incident earlier this month at Sampalok, Sto. Niño in the City of Mati, that killed 3 and destroyed at least 75 houses.

City Fire Marshal SINSP Christian Cena said during the Kapihan Sang Kapitolyo at the Capitol’s Grand Conference Room last week that consumers should check the quality of the Christmas lights before purchasing. He added that electrical devices, including lights, should not be left plugged for more than 24 hours.

“The Christmas lights have a very thin covering or insulator, and if excessively used, I don’t think the insulation will withstand. So, the wires must have been slightly scraped from the constant contact, that’s the reason why the fire started,” SINSP Cena explained.

Stressing that the bureau has done its best to save lives and properties despite the obstructions during the incident, Cena said that they will further strengthen their information dissemination campaign on fire safety.

“We are saddened by what had happened. We lost 3 souls that night, but then again, we still continue to commit ourselves in our service as mandated under RA 9514. It’s not only during March that the Fire Prevention Month should be practiced, but it should be done everyday of our lives – from the first day of the year up to the last”, he said.

Cena added that they are now conducting house to house fire safety inspection and information dissemination in addition to IEC materials distribution and symposium that they have been conducting among students. By Maria Teresa Gambong(DOSCST Intern)/Photo by Eden Jhan Licayan