By Angel Ado,
Genia Sevilla,
and Hammy Keith Roa
BSU Interns
THE Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) is reinforcing fire safety measures and recruitment transparency in Region 10, officials announced in a press conference, recently.
Regional Director Romel C. Tradio and Rexcliburn L. Salvaña outlined fire extinguisher inspection procedures, emphasizing that establishments must comply with fire code regulations.
Businesses selling fire extinguishers must secure permits and use standardized materials to ensure safety.
“If a tank is poorly built, it could explode. Additionally, the chemicals used must be authorized for the market as some contain ozone-depleting agents,” Tradio said.
He advised households and businesses to turn fire extinguishers upside down weekly to prevent chemical solidification, which could render them ineffective.
The BFP continues to expand its role beyond firefighting to include fire safety inspections, investigations, and emergency response.
“We will not only educate but also inspect establishments,” Tradio said.
The agency is also developing special rescue forces in every province of Region 10, one of only two Mindanao regions with Comprehensive Rescue and Medical (CPRM) capabilities.
Tradio reported that Northern Mindanao currently has 140 fire trucks but aims to add 71 more to meet the ideal ratio of one fire truck per 20,000 residents. He urged the public to cooperate in fire prevention efforts.
“To the public, one way to help prevent fires is to call first before taking a vlog,” he reminded.
On recruitment, Tradio assured applicants that joining the BFP is free of charge and urged the media to report any anomalies.
“This is also the directive from our secretary — to ensure a clean recruitment process,” he told reportes.
The BFP accepts applicants with any baccalaureate degree, provided they have a professional license or civil service eligibility. A step-by-step ‘knockdown’ system is implemented, meaning applicants who fail one stage cannot proceed further.
The BFP continues to urge establishments and individuals to comply with fire safety regulations and support ongoing efforts to enhance public safety.
