• CHRYSEE G. SAMILLANO
A resolution requesting PrimeWater-Baciwa, in partnership with the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), to install new and repair existing fire hydrants in strategic locations within the identified red zone areas of Bacolod City, was approved by the Bacolod Sangguniang Panlungsod yesterday.
The resolution authored by Councilor Celia Matea Flor said the protection of life and property from dangers of fire is a paramount concern of the City Government of Bacolod.
The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) has identified over 119 red zone areas within Bacolod City as high-risk areas prone to fire incidents, it said.
A recent fire incident in Barangay 27 on September 12, displaced hundreds of families and destroyed over 200 houses. Firefighters encountered challenges due to narrow access roads and limited water supply sources, underscoring the urgent need for adequate fire hydrants in high-risk communities, the resolution said.
It has also been observed that several existing hydrants in the city are non-functional or poorly maintained, limiting their effectiveness during fire emergencies, it said.
The installation of new hydrants in red zones areas, coupled with the repair and regular maintenance of existing hydrants, would greatly enhance the firefighting capacity of the BFP and reduce property losses and displacement of families in case of fire incidents, the resolution added.*
