Fire hits 2 department stores in Tacloban

By RPCRD, Police Regional Office 8
December 24, 2015

CAMP KANGLEON, Palo, Leyte – Estimated cost of damages reached to 5 million pesos as two department stores hit by fire at P. Burgos, Tacloban City on December 23, 2015.

Initial investigation disclosed that prior to the discovery of the fire, security guards of both establishments were manning outside the vicinity of their respective places of assignments when they noticed a smoke coming from 778 Department Store which prompted them to seek for fire assistance through Police Station 2.

Such fire which engulfed the said establishments was declared under control by the responding Fire Officers at about 10:45 PM and was subsequently declared fire out at about 11:00 PM of same date.

The PNP is in the forefront during emergency cases, civil disturbances, accidents and calamities. The PNP is the first and foremost authority the public call upon for assistance during emergency cases and are usually the first responders in these cases. In incident like this, PNP plays a major role in securing the area from looters, thieves and onlookers and making sure the smooth flow of traffic for the fire trucks.

The fight against destructive fire is not the sole responsibility of fire fighters, it is everybody’s concern. Everybody should share the responsibility of making communities safe. The PNP is offering its own fire safety tips as part of its “Be informed, plan ahead and be safe” program. It provides information on how to prevent a fire in your home and how to keep you and your family safe from its effects and dangers. This includes the security of the public in the face of a sudden evacuation and what can be PNP personnel do to protect their homes from thieves.

The PNP, thus calls on the public to comply with the fire safety rules. At home, the following tips are recommended: a) unplug appliances after every use; b) switch off the electric stove, gas range or turn off candles before going to bed; c) do not overload electrical circuits with too many appliances, also called octopus connection; d) inspect electrical wires, which could be the cause of overheating and overloading; e) do not keep flammable materials like gasoline and paint inside the house; and f) Do not let children play with flammable materials. Prevention is always the best measure to avoid loss of lives and properties.