The are 283 red zones in Bacolod City, which are almost double the initial number in June, Bacolod Fire Marshal F/Supt. Jenny Mae Masip said Friday, August 30.
Masip said that from 119 in June, the red zones increased by 164 this month.
An area is considered a red zone if 50 percent of the houses are made of light materials, they are built close together, and it is difficult for fire responders and fire trucks to enter, she said.
Masip said that this number can still increase because there are areas where firetrucks cannot pass that is why they are coordinating with the 61 barangay captains of Bacolod to help them identify more red zones.
The Bacolod Fire Station has suggested placing at least three fire extinguishers per red zone to immediately extinguish possible fire incidents, she said.
It would mean a purchase of about 849 fire extinguishers.
Masip said that the local government of Bacolod City has pledged to purchase fire extinguishers while they also encourage the barangay leaders to purchase their own to ensure a quick firefighting response.
The fire marshal also said that they still lack manpower but they have already trained Community Fire Auxiliary Groups composed of volunteers in barangays, who will serve as first responders if there are fires.
Masip said that 10 Bacolod barangays have already formed CFAGs.*