By: Gideon C. Corgue
City Fire Marshall Sr. Inspector Rheno Cimafranca said the three (3) major winners received cash prizes from the city government and certificates of recognition.
Seven (7) fire brigade volunteer teams from barangays Balangasan, Dao, Dumagoc, Lumbia, Tuburan, San Pedro , and Sta. Lucia joined the competition.
Cimafranca said the Olympics is one of the major activities highlighting the Fire Prevention Month on March and the competition has been conducted annually since year 2003.
“The competition is a simulation fire activity comprising of modified combat challenge wherein the teams simulate in responding to fire incidents by eliminating the fire,” Cimafranca said.
Meanwhile, provincial head for special rescue unit Fire Officer I Jeoffrey Sisona, said the event was designed to help the barangays in training and equipping their respective volunteer fire brigades in the procedures on proper positioning and proper handling of fire hoses and nozzle especially in rescue operation,” he said.
“We train the brigades not only to enhance their fire safety awareness but also to help the BFP in responding safely in case fire and during natural calamities and disasters,” Sisona said recognizing the very important role of brigades in the fire-fighting operations.
“What they’ve learned at the Olympics will be applied in their respective barangays,” he added.
“Let us show to the world that we are ready not just for competition but for calamities also,” Sisona said
The event contested by the teams were rescue and transfer relay operation, hose laying and replacement of busted hose, bucket relay and flammable liquid fire extinguisher.