WHAT used to be a one-hour forum by the Manila City Hall Reporters’ Association (MACHRA) stretched to almost two hours when we had for our topic fire incidents as well as the do’s and don’ts before, during and after the fire, about the upcoming observance of the Fire Prevention Month in March.
Bureau of Fire Protection-Manila Fire Marshall Senior Superintendent Christine Doctor-Cula, the first woman ever to hold the post, and Gerik Chua, co-founder of TXTFIRE Philippines, the largest volunteer organization in the country, were the guests in the monthly ‘MACHRA Balitaan’ at the Harbor View Restaurant in Ermita.
The two jointly called on the public to immediately alert the fire responders for help instead of using their cellphones to post the incident on social media.
They provided the hotlines that the public may use in case of fire – 911 and 09853999118 for BFP and TXTFire, 0918688888 (text only), and 09225611111.
Both assured the public of quick response, seven minutes after the call and they will be there, said Cula.
The official noted that one of the problems they face is the bad practice of some residents destroying the fire hydrants or water pipes that could help them faster to contain the fire.
She also lamented that some firefighters are getting harassed when they respond to fire incidents, such as when some people forcibly take the hoses from them. There were times they had to seek police assistance so they could respond to the fire incident unhampered and more effectively.
Additionally, Gerik advised that in case of fire, residents should have presence of mind instead of panicking. He reminded the public not to put all their belongings in the middle of the street so the firefighters could have enough space to move around and park their fire trucks.
They also advised residents and establishment owners to have a fire extinguisher on standby, saying it is very helpful in preventing small fires from becoming big.
In the same forum, both said their respective groups also respond to other emergencies like road accidents.
TXTFire also mounts blood donation drives and Cula said they actively participate since the cause is noble.
In more ways than one, it is apparent that the days are gone when government and volunteer firefighters clash.
Both acknowledged the need to work closely and in unison since they serve the same purpose, even stressing that their only enemy is ‘fire.’
Cula was gracious enough to acknowledge the help that TXTFire volunteers do to help government firefighters.
She said volunteer firemen get no remuneration for doing such a noble cause, so they never forget to express their thanks each time they work together. It is just a small way of showing their appreciation to those who have been risking their lives and using their resources to save others.
In Manila alone, there are a total of 236 fire trucks and 2,300 volunteers that assist the BFP-Manila during fire incidents.
Gerik’s family operates a restaurant, the proceeds of which go to a fund that assists fire volunteers who perished or got injured in the performance of their functions.
Gerik, for his part, said 200 groups under TXTFire Philippines are always ready for dispatch if and when needed, adding that their group serves the purpose of augmenting the government fire responders.
Both also heaped praises for each other and what they have been effectively doing to help as many as possible.
According to the BFP official, it no longer matters who arrives first at the fire scene, as she explained that fire volunteers can ably help since they undergo certain requirements for which they are duly issued by the BFP certificates of competency, to ensure that all of them are equipped with the proper and sufficient set of skills and knowledge to perform fire-fighting functions.
Their respect for each other and the rapport between them are highly evident, as they agreed on all matters during the question and answer and even followed up on each other’s answers and comments.
Such was a welcome development and worthy of emulation.
If the government and the private sector work hand-in-hand as the Bureau of Fire Protection-Manila and TXTFire Philippines do, our country could be in for better days ahead.
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