Baguio: The Bureau of Fire Protection-Baguio has inspected 18,232 establishments issued business permits by the city government this year to ensure continued compliance with the Revised Fire Code of the Philippines, an official said Tuesday. Baguio Fire Marshal Supt. Mark Anthony Dangatan stated that the inspections began in January and covered establishments listed in the City Permit and Licensing Office database.

According to Philippines News Agency, the database lists 23,714 establishments, and the BFP will continue its inspections as part of its mandate to promote public safety. Dangatan added that the city government issues business permits during the first two semesters of each year as part of the annual renewal process. A fire safety clearance is issued upon renewal without requiring an inspection, but this does not prevent the BFP from conducting subsequent inspections to check whether establishments remain compliant with fire safety standards.

Dangatan emphasized that the inspections help identify hazards and prevent fire. Violations of the Fire Code may be grounds for the revocation of a business permit. Inspectors also check whether establishments have working portable fire extinguishers, unobstructed exits and passageways, and proper controls for combustible materials.

The BFP also conducts fire safety training for organizations, women's groups, community auxiliary units, fire brigades, and establishment workers. Dangatan noted that these programs provide participants with practical skills in fire prevention, emergency response, basic firefighting, first aid, and lifesaving techniques. Training community members to respond appropriately before professional responders arrive helps build safer and more resilient communities.

Baguio recorded 36 fire incidents from January to July, a decrease of 35.7 percent from 56 incidents during the same period last year, Dangatan said. Of this year's incidents, 29 involved structures and seven were nonstructural fires. He mentioned that better-informed communities are also more confident in responding to emergencies and safely putting out small fires before they spread.

'When communities are informed, prepared, and actively involved, fire prevention becomes a shared responsibility and a powerful tool in protecting lives and properties,' Dangatan stated.