OPERATION BURNOUT: Fires around Metro Manila going wild

Urban fires have been with us for centuries. It is usually caused by mishandling of gasoline tanks, or something else more technical. But what is more important here is the people who are greatly affected by the disaster. Some are forced to stay or work somewhere else. Others lose a part of their life's memories and opportunities. And others are not able to survive.
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ARTICLE PROFILE
Title: "5 houses razed in Caloocan fire"
Author: GMA News
Date issued: June 5, 2012
Article link: http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/260666/news/metromanila/50-houses-razed-in-caloocan-fire
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Yes, it's a very short article with a very minor case, but this just proves Manilenyos continue to remain unsafe from fire disasters like this. Who knows? It's probably another case of a gasoline tank explosion, short-circuit of electrical appliances, etc. The fact of the matter is that incidents like this are hard to resolve.

I might sound biased here, but I really think most informal settlers or "squatters" as many people call it cause these fires because of their irresponsible actions. Sure, they normally live on the edge, but it's their safety too and they must know better than this. On the mayoral side, they cannot help the situation either because illegal property is not supported by the government. I really think it's up for the urban planners to engineer and design a livable and adaptable area for these informal settlers, and it's not going to be easy.


I may leave it to the event organizers for the Fire Prevention month to handle it.
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ARTICLE PROFILE:
Title: "BFP Bacolod Station Marks March Fire Prevention Month"
Article link: http://www.ndb-online.com/021712/local-news/events-bfp-bacolod-station-marks-march-fire-prevention-month
Author: Bureau of Fire Protection
Date issued: February 17, 2012
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Reviewing the previous events and programs made by the BFP, I am quite impressed. Sure, there may be activities not related to fire prevention advocacy, but I think it's about building relationships to the community too. Do you know what would be even cooler? If the firemen can show an "extreme" demonstration to the crowd. It would be both entertaining and educational if done right.

But condos and house-and-lots are not safe from fire too because that's what happened to me earlier this year. I thought such a terrible case like the 1996 Ozone Disco Fire is only a myth, but alas, it can happen anytime. It was around the first week of April, the time when I was so busy reviewing for my final exams. In school, I was sort of shocked when my mother texted me our apartment building is on fire. It was due to a gasoline explosion in a nearby squatter area. Good thing the fire didn't reach the 8th floor (where I live in), and that I was able to get back shortly after.

Even though fire department officials are working hard to prevent fire disaster cases, they have made little progress, especially in effectively educating it to the public. This may continue for a long time if no development or changes are being implemented.

MISSION: FAILURE

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Image references:
http://society.ezinemark.com/weekly-news-in-picture-february-14-7736980f846c.html
http://www.daylife.com/topic/Philippines/photos/6?__site=daylife&__themeid=401000000000015615%2Fphotos
http://www.tzuchi.org.ph/newsite/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6664:volunteers-helping-other-volunteers&catid=89:news&Itemid=319
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