MMDA to establish Marine Fire Station along Pasig River
MANILA, Dec 30 (PNA) — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will set up its first ever Marine Fire station to respond to fire incidents along Pasig River and supply water to fire trucks in Metro Manila by the first quarter of next year.
MMDA General Manager Thomas Orbos said that personnel from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) will take over the operations of the fire station and one to two boats of the agency will be utilized in the Guadalupe River.
Eventually, boats will be deployed to one station in the east while the other on the western sections of the Pasig River.
“The marine fire station can not only respond to fire incidents but will also be helpful in case a major earthquake strikes Metro Manila.
The Pasig River is the only viable way for emergency responders to immediately be deployed for rescue operations. It is good that we have a marine fleet available to respond in times of emergencies,” Orbos said in an interview with reporters.
The MMDA hopes that volunteer fire brigades will donate fiberglass boats to further boost the equipment of the marine fire station.
The agency will be realigning its budget incurring no substantial expenses for the plan. It will only invest in the training of personnel that will be deployed to the fire station. (PNA)
FPV/ABP
