DENR-7 to Form Community Fire Brigades

Forest authorities here in Central Visayas are planning to adopt a system that will curb the possible effects of El Niño phenomenon- a system which is applicable to stop any occurrences of bush and forest fires, according to Dr. Ed Llamedo, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-7) spokesman.

Llamedo said in Cebu Province, they are now starting to form community fire brigades (CFB) to respond any potential fires in the mountain areas caused by
dry leaves and grasses.

He said the reason why they will adopt the CFB is because it does not need any firetrucks since firetrucks will become useless as forest fires usually occur in remote mountain areas without roadways.

The DENR spokesperson also hinted that this plan is now being developed this month by the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) with the support of the local officials of the city, municipality, barangay, and the Bureau of Fire and Protection (BFP).

According to Llamedo, they are exerting their efforts to make the CFB functional especially during the incoming celebration of the national day of forest on March 21.

He added the DENR will also widen its information campaign so that more people will be aware, and learn all aspects of bush fire fighting in their respective areas of responsibilities.

Llamedo stressed the importance of bulk water containers to be available from every barangay hall, but aside from this, he added, what is important is the availability of water sources in the barangay that will be used to contain any fire occurrences especially during the El Niño phenomenon.