By Brian Jules Campued
The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) is investigating the cause of the fire which engulfed at least 19 vehicles at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 parking extension on Monday, according to the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA).
“Statements from the parking lot attendant and airport security directing traffic in the Terminal 3 vicinity as well as those assigned to adjacent parking lots will be taken to shed light on what happened,” the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) said in a statement.
According to initial and unofficial reports gathered by the MIAA, the incident started from a small grass fire.
In an interview with Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon on Tuesday, MIAA Spokesperson Atty. Chris Bendijo said a security personnel, based on witness account, first responded to a burning vehicle and used four fire extinguishers to put out the fire.
The airport’s Rescue and Firefighting Division (RFD) received the report about the fire at 1:28 p.m. and fire out was declared at 1:57 p.m.
No one was reported hurt from the incident, according to the MIAA.
“We are relieved to know that no one was hurt or injured in the incident. I have directed all pertinent MIAA units to give their full support to the BFP for the speedy completion of their investigation,” General Manager Eric Ines said.
Meanwhile, the MIAA said it has no liability regarding the incident since the parking area is leased to a private concessionaire named Philippine Skylanders International (PSI).
Bendijo said the PSI has already committed to reaching out to the affected owners regarding the damages on their vehicles.
So far, seven owners have contacted the MIAA, according to the MIAA.
“We can state that PSI shall assume liability for the damages caused to their vehicles,” PSI said, as quoted by Bendijo.
He added that Ines ordered the PSI to remove the dried grass on the parking area and cover it with crushed rock and gravel before they can resume operations.
“Yesterday, after the incident, pinatawag sila ng ating GM, and they were specifically instructed na talagang bungkalin na ang property na ‘yan so that they will be removing talaga itong dry grass, and of course they will cover it up with crushed rocks at saka gravel,” Bendijo said.
An MIAA-owned fire truck will be stationed near the area while the private entity is complying with the MIAA’s order, he added.
Bendijo, likewise, advised vehicle owners not to leave flammables inside their cars, such as alcohols, alcogels, and lighters.
The MIAA is also exploring the possibility of deploying bigger fire extinguishers to ensure effective response to fire incidents. – avds
