BFP launches 1st fire command operation center

Department of Interior and Local Government. (PNA Photo)

MANILA, Aug. 3 — The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) has launched its very first Fire Command Operation Center (FCOC) at its regional headquarters in Quezon City for immediate assistance during fire incidents and other emergencies in Metro Manila.

In a report to DILG Officer-in-Charge Catalino Cuy, BFP-National Capital Region (NCR) Director Senior Supt. Wilberto Tui said the FCOC will help fire ground commanders get a better view of the situation on the ground in real time specifically during fire incidents.

At the FCOC, Tui said ground commanders could assess the situation and direct the operations especially on positioning of fire trucks during firefighting operations.

He noted that the center is equipped with 10 panels of television (TV) monitors, 10 sets of computers complete with accessories and 10 handheld radio transceivers which were donated by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industries (PCCI) led by Director-General Jess Valera.

“We are thankful to PCCI for their generosity, and also to the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) which allowed us to link with their 250 CCTVs that are stationed in different parts of Metro Manila,” Tui said in a statement on Thursday.

According to Tui, the BFP-NCR has also requested local government units (LGUs) in Metro Manila to link the FCOC with their closed-circuit televisions (CCTVs) for better coordination and assistance during emergencies.

“Coupled with our camera-equipped unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) or drone, the FCOC is expected to add to the efficiency and capability of our firefighters in the NCR,” Tui said.

Earlier, the DILG through BFP-NCR received two units of camera drones from the Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FCCCI).

The FCOC will be on “24/7” operations with 10 firefighters manning the center. (