The Bureau of Fire Protection on Wednesday kicked off the observance of Fire Prevention Month through a public awareness and safety consciousness caravan.

Hundreds of firetrucks blaring sirens hit the streets of major cities to start the month-long fire prevention campaign. The motorcades were launched simultaneously all over the Philippines at 5 a.m.

BFP Deputy Chief for Administration Chief Supt. Jesus Fernandez said the bureau’s leadership is one with communities in preventing destructive fires.

Quezon City Fire District Marshal Senior Supt. Aristotle Banaga said 51 firetrucks drove around the city after holding a short program attended by local officials and other stakeholders.

In the BFP District 3 composed of Makati, Pasay, Parañaque, Las Piñas and Muntinlupa, Senior Supt. Florian Guerrero said that all stations in his area snappily prepared and joined kick-off activities.

Pasig City Fire Marshal Supt. Elaine Evangelista kept her men active for the event.

The city government of Pasay led by Mayor Emi Calixto-Rubiano had the theme “Sa Pag-iwas sa Sunog, Hindi ka Nag-iisa!” for the occasion.

The mayor, in her message read by her chief of Staff Peter Pardo, urged everyone to be ready and help each other to prevent incidence of fire in the city.

She disclosed that the mayor’s office will provide folding beds, blankets, hygene kits, food packs, mineral water, temporary shelter and financial assistance. If there are casualties they will received burial assistance.

The mayor disclosed the readiness of all department of Pasay City along with Team Calixto to help fire victims recover in time.

BFP National Capital Region Director Chief Supt. Nahum Tarroza said that yesterday’s event was a success if not for the fire incident in Caloocan City where two persons died.

Two hours before the start of Fire Prevention Month, a fire struck at a house in Barangay 8, claiming the lives of a 40-year-old and a nine-year old girl.