THE Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in Dagupan has tightened its permit regulations for firework manufacturers as part of heightened safety measures ahead of the Christmas and New Year holidays.

FCInsp. Jun Eland Wanawan said the BFP is reviewing all licensed manufacturers in the city to ensure full compliance with legal and safety requirements. He added that unregistered and unsafe operations will be the focus of intensified monitoring and enforcement.

To curb illegal production at the community level, the BFP has partnered with Barangay Tebeng and other barangays for house-to-house inspections aimed at identifying households or structures involved in unlawful firework manufacturing.

The effort follows the November 16 explosion in Barangay Tebeng, where an illegal factory caught fire. Investigators later found that the renter of the structure had links to firecracker production in Barangay Bacayao.

Wanawan said more rigorous inspections will be conducted to shut down facilities lacking permits or failing to meet safety standards.

The BFP also confirmed reports of an explosion that injured four individuals. Three are now recovering while one remains in critical condition due to severe burns.

In light of recent incidents, the BFP urged households to keep fire extinguishers and maintain easy access to emergency contact numbers, stressing that preparedness and quick response can save lives during fire or explosion emergencies. (Ahikam Pasion)