THE BUREAU of Fire Protection (BFP) has clarified that the mini-emergency vehicle does not belong to the bureau and cannot substitute for standard fire trucks.
Speaking during the Davao Peace and Security Press Briefing at The Royal Mandaya Hotel on Wednesday, Oct. 7, Davao City Fire District spokesperson FSInsp Frances Mae Sendrijas clarified that the viral fire trike was procured independently by an LGU, stressing that the BFP had no hand in its acquisition or specifications.
“Actually, this one is not BFP,” Sendrijas said. “I would like to clarify this because there are fake news reports claiming it was procured by the BFP and the DILG. BFP fire trucks are procured exclusively through our National Headquarters, and we do not have that specific model in our inventory.”
Despite not being a standard BFP asset, Sendrijas noted that such innovations can serve a practical purpose as first responders in congested informal settler communities where large fire trucks struggle to enter.
“Practically, you can use it, but not as a replacement for our conventional fire trucks,” she explained. “It can be used as a front-line unit or a portable fire pump in areas that are very difficult to access, provided it is durable and can properly receive and supply water relayed from a large fire truck.”
She emphasized that while the concept works well as a backup or penetrator vehicle for tight spaces, local authorities must thoroughly evaluate durability and cost-efficiency.
“We need to check the durability and whether it’s worth the public funds,” Sendrijas cautioned. “If the durability is good and it can handle high pressure, then it’s okay. But hopefully, they use it properly, because if not, we are just wasting (government) money.”
Know the difference
In the BFP post, “Fire response vehicles come in different types and capacities, each designed to serve specific operational needs.
BFP Fire Trucks are procured and operated by the Bureau of Fire Protection, with varying capacities and capabilities depending on operational requirements.
LGU Fire Trikes, on the other hand, are initiatives of local government units intended to augment and support BFP firefighters, particularly in communities where access and mobility may be challenging.
Understanding the difference helps promote accurate information and a better appreciation of how BFP and LGUs work together to enhance fire response and public safety.
