City braces for safe, fire-free New Year
Everything is in place for the coming New Year's eve revelry as far as the city is concerned. Last Thursday, City Mayor Jerry Treñas called on all police station chiefs and mobile group commanders to map out plans to ensure a peaceful, safe and fire-free New Year celebration.
One thing Mayor Treñas wanted ensured is that no indiscriminate firing will occur be it from policemen or private gun holders.
Treñas sternly warned the station chiefs to apprehend any police, military, security guards or civilians who will fire their guns during the New Year celebration. "They must apprehend all violators regardless of whoever they are," the mayor said.
Treñas added, a joint task force of the police and the Iloilo City Fire Office are currently conducting inspections in the different designated fire cracker zones in the city and in all commercial establishments selling firecrackers.
Treñas said he does not want the firecracker-induced incident, similar to that in Ormoc City, to happen here.
Twenty-four people died in Ormoc City after a department store got burned. The fire was reportedly caused by firecrackers. A boy allegedly started the fire when he tested the firecracker inside the building.
Treñas said all the sellers which are under the cooperative must obey with the rules on the safe handling of firecrackers and pyrotechnics or else their merchandise will be confiscated.
Pyrotechnics sellers are required cover their items with plastic. Sellers are also required to have a pail of water and sand. The water and sand will be used to put immediately off the fire in case it occurs.
Both sellers and buyers are also directed to observe the rules. No one is allowed to smoke in the fire crackers zone. Also, no testing of firecrackers are allowed in the firecracker zone.
The task force is also checking the permits and fire exits of commercial buildings in which firecrackers are sold. The business permits of commercial establishments will be canceled if they have no permits to sell firecrackers, said Treñas.
The barangay officials of each barangay where the firecracker zones are designated will likewise oversee whether the rules on safety are being followed by the sellers and buyers. Violators will be charged.
Treñas added that he has also ordered the City Fire Office to station one firetruck near the designated firecracker zones for easy mobility and quick response in case of fire. Fire volunteer groups have already signified to join with the police and firemen to make rounds in the city before and after the New Year's eve celebration.