Bacolod City - Bacolod City has strengthened its firefighting resources with the inauguration of a new fire station in Barangay Alijis and the launch of the first mobile motor pool in Western Visayas by the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP).
According to Philippines News Agency, At a ceremony held at the barangay gymnasium on Monday, BFP-Western Visayas Regional Director Chief Supt. Jerry Candido and Barangay Alijis Chief Deogracias Dela Vega formalized the activation of the Alijis Sub-Fire Station through a memorandum of agreement. The event was attended by Bacolod City Fire Marshal Chief Insp. Stephen Jardeleza and Negros Occidental Acting Provincial Fire Marshal Supt. Roel Legaspi.
Candido emphasized the strategic importance of the new sub-fire station in Alijis, one of the largest villages in Bacolod in terms of population, highlighting its role in ensuring preparedness for various emergencies. He assured that the local community can expect prompt responses not only to fire incidents but also to other types of emergencies.
Dela Vega acknowledged the necessity of a sub-fire station in Barangay Alijis for swift response to fire emergencies. The addition of this station, the ninth in Bacolod, aims to enhance the city’s firefighting capacity.
In tandem with the new fire station, the BFP inaugurated the region's first mobile motor pool. This facility is designed to improve the operational efficiency of the Bacolod City Fire Station. The mobile motor pool will ensure on-site repair and servicing of fire trucks, reducing downtime and enhancing the efficacy of emergency responses.
Currently, BFP-Bacolod operates 14 fire trucks across its central fire station and nine sub-fire stations, along with three ambulance units. The other sub-fire stations are located in Barangays 16, Villamonte, Taculing, Granada, Mansilingan, Pahanocoy, Sum-ag, and Mandalagan.
Candido mentioned that while Bacolod has a considerable number of fire trucks, the city aims to reach an ideal count of 22 trucks of various models and water capacities, based on its total population. He also revealed plans for BFP-Bacolod to acquire an aerial ladder, which is crucial for addressing emergencies in high-rise buildings, reflecting the city's growing urban landscape.