ILOILO CITY — The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) has recommended only two areas in the city that would be identified as firecracker zones, said city administrator, Lawyer Hernando Galvez on Thursday.
Galvez said that the city legal office has sought the opinion of the BFP in preparation for the declaration of firecracker zones where selling of firecrackers and pyrotechnic materials would be allowed.
City Fire Marshall, Chief Inspector Bartolome O. Biliran recommended that Circumferential road 1 corner Jocson St, San Jose Arevalo and Circumferential road -1 corner Iloilo East Coast Capiz (along Ondoy’sSugbahan) in Buhang, Jaro as these are situated away from densely populated zones.
The BFP also recommended that the stall for the display shall have a distance of one meter apart, dimension of 2×4 meters and a total floor area of eight square meters. It has to have a double walling made of Hardiflex and tin or galvanized iron (GI) sheet as outer side and GI sheet roofing/shed.
The display shall be provided with plastic cover.
Vendors have to install “No Testing” and “No Smoking” signages, refrain from cooking and use of electrical outlets. Moreover, only LED lights are allowed to be used within the premises.
At least one unit of fire extinguisher is also required.
Galvez said police officers or other authorized personnel are mandated to confiscate firecrackers and other pyrotechnic materials being sold in other places.
Galvez said vendors need to secure necessary permits from BFP, Philippine National Police and Department of Labor and Employment before they can sell firecrackers.
He added that the city government “in due time” will release the Executive Order officially designating the areas as firecracker zones.
Last year the selling of firecrackers was from December 29 to 31.
Executive Order No. 28 signed by President Rodrigo Duterte provides for the regulation and control of the use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices and not for the total ban. (Perla Lena/PNA)
