Residents in the province of Ilocos Norte are reminded to save water and use it wisely as the province faces water scarcity especially during the summer months.
Ilocos Norte Water District (INWD) General Manager John Teodoro on Tuesday also suggested that the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) consider using other alternative sources of water and refrain from using potable water for stocking following its request to use fire hydrants to fill their firetrucks for emergency preparedness.
“Our fire hydrants are intended for actual firefighting. It is not intended for stocking because it is corrosive with chlorine,” he said.
In observance of Fire Prevention Month, the BFP in Ilocos Norte has intensified its fire safety education and community engagement.
Fire Superintendent Roxanne Parado, BFP Ilocos Norte provincial fire marshal, said March traditionally records the highest number of fire incidents nationwide due to summer’s hot and windy conditions.
“We are strictly observing Fire Prevention Month because March is usually the month when most fire incidents occur,” she said in an interview.
Parado said fire prevention is a shared responsibility between the BFP and the public in safeguarding homes and workplaces.
Government data shows that open flames from unattended cooking is the leading cause of fires, followed by candles and electrical issues.
“We are reminding the public to be extra careful because most of these incidents are preventable,” she said.
By Leilanie Adriano(PNA)