BFP tightens watch on six areas for Dinagyang

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in Iloilo City has placed six residential areas under heightened monitoring during the Dinagyang Festival to prevent fire incidents amid large public gatherings.

The areas under close watch include the districts of Molo and Lapuz, the Tanza area covering several barangays, and the barangays of Calaparan, Obrero, and Cubay.

City Fire Marshal Fire Supt. Melanie Habawel said no Dinagyang-related residential fires have been recorded in the past two years, but the bureau remains on alert, particularly in areas with a history of fire incidents.

“Where are on look out for six areas that we identified to have many residential areas,” Habawel said during a press conference on Thursday, Jan. 15.

“That is why we did not commit all our fire trucks to the judging areas because we are also preparing for the areas that are identified as possible and have a history of fire,” she added.

Habawel said the BFP is coordinating with volunteer fire groups, including the ICAG Volunteer Fire Brigade and Federation Fire Iloilo, to ensure wider coverage during the festival period.

“We are working together so we can watch over these areas and make sure there will be no fire, or if one occurs, it will not escalate,” she said.

Habawel noted that residential fires remain among the most common incidents handled by the BFP.

She urged residents to exercise caution in using electrical appliances, cooking equipment, and open flames as household activity increases during the festivities.

Habawel also reminded the public to closely monitor candles during power outages, which are common during large events.

In case of a fire, Habawel stressed the importance of immediately informing authorities.

“The earlier that they could contact us and let us know that there is a developing fire in their area, the earlier that we can dispatch our teams to further lessen the damage,” she said.