VOLUNTEER firefighters in Manila urged the public to be vigilant and embrace collective responsibility to avoid fires, as the country observes fire prevention month. In a statement on Saturday, the San Andres Manila Fire and Rescue Volunteer Association Inc. (SAMFRVAI) urged residents to adopt basic safety measures — such as checking electrical wiring, unplugging unused appliances, properly monitoring LPG tanks and conducting evacuation drills with family members — as these can help prevent fires. “Fire prevention is a mindset. It’s about being vigilant every day, not just during Fire Prevention Month. Safety should always come first,” said James Paul Benzon, director of SAMFRVAI. The group noted that beyond firefighting, operational challenges persist, particularly in Metro Manila areas that are difficult to penetrate due to narrow streets and alleys. According to John Michael Reyes, public information officer of SAMFRVAI, many overlook smoke and suffocation as causes of death, noting that most lives are lost due to this scenario. “Many people think flames are the biggest threat. But most lives are lost because of smoke and suffocation. That’s why every escape plan, every safety measure and every fire drill is important,” Reyes said. In January 2025, Metrobank Foundation (MBFI) supported the brigade with an 8,000-liter-capacity fire tanker to enhance their capability to respond to fire incidents. “The tanker is a symbol of trust and partnership. Every deployment must be professional, purposeful, and with care. It reminds us that our responsibility is to the community,” Reyes said. Meanwhile, Philip Francisco Dy, president of MBFI, said the partnership highlights the importance of supporting responders and promoting public preparedness. “Fire Prevention Month reminds us that safety is a shared responsibility. By supporting community-based responders like SAMFRVAI, we hope to empower those on the frontlines while encouraging every household to remain vigilant and prepared,” said Dy.