The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in Antique has formed community fire auxiliary groups (CFAGs) in each of the 18 municipalities in the province to serve as first responders during fire incidents in barangays (villages) in the first quarter of 2026.

BFP Antique Provincial Information Officer, Fire Officer II Eulie May Raymaro, said a CFAG is composed of the barangay captain, who will serve as the chief ground commander, and is joined by the rest of the barangay council members and tanod (watchmen).

“They were trained on fire suppression, rescue, evacuation, traffic management, communication and salvaging of the remaining belongings on a fire scene,” she said.

They also underwent simulation exercises.

“There are CFAG members who could reach, especially, the remote areas, where the BFP could not immediately respond,” the fire officer added.

Meanwhile, Raymaro said that they have responded to 102 fire calls, mostly residential or structural, from January 1 to June 26.

“We remind the public to use candle holders or cans and not to leave them unattended when using candles, especially during brownouts,” Raymaro said.

She also said that households should avoid overloading electrical appliances. They should refrain from charging cellular phones or power banks while they sleep, for it could cause a short circuit. (PNA)