WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY-PHILIPPINES

Brgy 01, Maria Aurora, Aurora

Fire Protection and Arson Investigation (CDI_6)
Prepared by; Melvin R. Hugo, MSCrim, RCrim,CLC

Lesson 9- Objectives of the Fire Code of the Philippines and its Policies
Declaration

Learning Outcomes;
At the end of the study the students must be able know the following;
 Applicability of Fire Code of the Philippines and Enforcement Responsibility
 Inspections, Safety Measures, Fire Safety Construction, and Protective and Warning
Systems
 Inspection Required
 Hazardous Materials
 Fire safety measures for hazardous operations/processes
 Penalties for Violators of the Fire Code of the Philippines
 Administrative Penalties
 Punitive Penalty

In a country where terrible fires leave people devastated, the firefighting capability
needs to catch up with socioeconomic and technical improvements. Proactive and effective
fire safety enforcement is critical. As a result, the passage of Republic Act No. 9514, revising
Presidential Decree No. 1185, often referred to as the Fire Code of the Philippines, was both
applauded and anticipated in the fire service and fire prevention industries. Many of the
issues that plagued the era of PD 1185 were resolved with the introduction of RA 9514.
However, some that persisted appeared to change over time. The Implementing Rules and
Regulations (IRR) of RA 9514, commonly referred to as the Fire Code of the Philippines,
serves as the basis that guides the Bureau of Fire Protection in enforcing the law to maintain
public safety and economic development by preventing and suppressing all types of
damaging fires. Due to the necessity for technical improvements in building designs and
constructions, amendments to the IRR became effective on October 16, 2019.

Objectives of the Fire Code of the Philippines

To prevent fire-related injuries, deaths, and property loss and damage that have
reached worrisome proportions, undermining society’s economic and social benefits.

To raise national awareness and include everyone in fire prevention and suppression
to lessen fire losses.

Adopt universal fire safety standards, including fire safety construction and installing
protective and safety measures in buildings and structures.

To establish an organization responsible for implementing and coordinating fire

safety, prevention, and suppression efforts in all sectors of society.

Policies Declaration

Along with the private sector, the government shall create and adopt rules and
regulations considering recent advancements in fire technology. These rules should also be
appropriate for Filipino conditions.
 Fire prevention and safety must receive equal, if not greater, emphasis than fire
suppression or extinguishment. In addition, fire prevention education must be carried out
regularly, engaging all community segments.

The Integrated National Police Fire Service should put out all fires before they reach
the critical and catastrophic stages. The Fire Service’s organization, administration, and
operation must be upgraded and enhanced to carry out the necessary measures to prevent
fire. The staff of the said organization shall also be supplemented with equipment so they
can act effectively during fire emergencies. Fire station units should also have effective fire
alarm systems so fire stations can easily detect fire incidents nearby.

The Fire Department must be professionalized. Educational institutions must

integrate fire technology and fire protection engineering courses into their curricula to
spread knowledge of fire prevention and safety measures.

Applicability of Fire Code of the Philippines and Enforcement Responsibility

Section 4 of this Code indicates that the Fire Code requirements must apply to all
persons and all public and private buildings, facilities, or structures. The effectivity applies to
properties constructed before and after the implementation of the Fire Code of the
Philippines.

According to Section 6, the Fire Service is under the Director General of the
Integrated National Police. The Director General shall enforce this Code and relevant
requirements of other fire protection or fire safety laws. In addition, the Director General,
with the permission of the Secretary of National Defense, has the power to:

Develop implementing rules and regulations, as well as administrative penalties;

Reorganize the Integrated National Police Fire Service as necessary and appropriate;

Engage into long-term agreements for the acquisition of fire prevention, fire fighting,
and fire protection equipment, materials, supplies, and related technical services for the Fire
Service. This can be done through public auctions or discussions that include advance
payments; and

Enter into Memoranda of Understanding with other government departments and

private institutions to define areas of corporation and coordination. They should also
delineate responsibility for fire safety, fire prevention education, fire suppression, fire
prevention, and other matters of concern.

Inspections, Safety Measures, Fire Safety Construction, and Protective and

Warning Systems

According to Section 8, owners, administrators, occupants, and all other responsible

people shall ensure their properties comply with the following:

Inspection Required

As a condition of granting permits and/or licenses by local government units and

other government agencies concerned, the Director General or his lawfully authorized agent
must conduct a fire safety inspection.

Inspections shall also include the use or occupation of buildings or structures. The
inspection also includes installing fire protection and fire safety equipment and the electrical
system in any building or structure.
 The BFP also has the right to inspect explosives storage, handling, and/or usage of
combustible, flammable, poisonous, and other hazardous materials inside the building or
premises.

Hazardous Materials

Fire safety measures are required for the manufacturing, storing, handling,
and/or usage of hazardous materials such as:

Any cellulose nitrate plastic

Flammable filaments
Cellular materials like foam, rubber, sponge rubber, and plastic foam
Flammable and combustible liquids and gases of any kind
Paints, varnishes, stains, and organic coatings that are flammable
Combustible stock that is densely packed or widely dispersed
Any metallic magnesium
Corrosive liquids, ammonium nitrate, organic peroxide, oxidizing materials,
nitromethane, or any amount of highly toxic, hypertrophic, pyrophoric, or cryogenic
materials or poisonous gases
Material compounds that become a fire conductor or emit excessive smoke or toxic
gases when exposed to heat or flame
Blasting agents, explosives, and specific industrial explosive materials, black powder,
blasting caps, liquid nitro-glycerine, dynamite, nitrocellulose, any fulminate, and
plastic explosives containing ammonium salt or chlorate
Any and all fireworks materials
Commercially available matches
Burning embers, burning coals, and hot ashes
Mineral, vegetable, or animal oils, as well as their derivatives and byproducts
Combustible waste products for resale or recycling
Flammable dust and fumes
Agricultural, forest, marine, or mineral products that may spontaneously burn

Fire safety measures for hazardous operations/processes

The following hazardous operations/processes must include fire safety measures:

Soldering or welding
Commercial baking and drying
Trash management
Pressurized/forced-draft burning apparatus
Forging and smelting
Motion picture projection utilizing arc lamps
Refining, distillation, and solvent extraction, among other things
Any other activities or processes stipulated in the Rules and Regulations in the future

Owners, occupants, or administrators of buildings or structures except those exempted shall

incorporate and provide fire safety construction, protective, and warning systems and shall
develop and implement fire safety programs, such as the following:

Sprinkler systems, hose boxes, hose reels, or standpipe systems, as well as other
firefighting equipment
Fire detection and suppression systems
Firewalls to separate adjacent buildings or warehouses and storage spaces from
other occupants in the same structure
Fire-resistive flooring and walls that reach up to the next level slab or roof, curtain
boards, and other fire-containing or stopping components
 Closure of all exits in a zone providing safe access to a public route or safe dispersion
area
Smoke and heat-sealed stairwells, vertical shafts, horizontal exits, and other means
of egress
A fire exit plan on each floor of the building, displaying boldly on the door of each
other room the routes from each other room to appropriate exits
Fire-resistant self-closing doors leading to corridors
Fire dampers in central air conditioning ducts
Roof vents for firefighters
Well-marked and lighted exits with emergency lighting to effectively illuminate
escape ways in the event of a power outage.

In most condominium buildings in the Philippines, developers prohibit using LPG

tanks to reduce the risk of fire when cooking. Suppose you are planning to buy a condo for
sale in the Philippines and are uncomfortable using an induction cooker. In that case, it is
best to find an ideal low-density condo that allows using LPG tanks because most high-
density condominiums strictly prohibit LPG tanks.

Penalties for Violators of the Fire Code of the Philippines

Administrative Penalties

Anyone who violates any provision of the Fire Code will have an administrative fine of
not more than Php 12,000. Violators will also receive suspension or closure of their
properties that don’t comply with the requirements.

Under this provision, one may appeal the Director General’s decision to the Secretary
of National Defense within fifteen days of receiving the order imposing the administrative
fine, stopping operations, and/or closing. The Secretary of National Defense’s decision is
final and binding.

Punitive Penalty

If a violator fails to correct the deficiency or eliminate the fire hazard, they will be
imprisoned for not less than six months up to six years. The violator will also be fined not
more than Php 20,000.

For firms, corporations, partnerships, or associations responsible for such violations,

the officials will be imprisoned and/or fined. If the guilty party is an alien, he shall be
deported immediately in addition to the penalties prescribed. Finally, the violator shall be
prosecuted under the applicable provisions if the violation is accompanied by loss of life
and/or property damage.

What to Remember When Buying a Property

If you’re looking for a property for sale in the Philippines for a commercial or rental
business, compliance with the Fire Code of the Philippines is necessary. Look for a building
with existing fire safety measure features to prevent spending on renovations. You can also
avail of fire insurance in case of fire incidents. Those looking for an apartment or condo
should be familiar with the Fire Code to determine if the subdivision or condo complies with
its provisions.

If you are looking for an online real estate platform where you can see the features of
the properties, Lamudi is the perfect option for you. Consider browsing through thousands of
listings in Lamudi and view their features and amenities to find the property suitable for
your budget and preferences.
 If you want to learn more about fire prevention and dealing with fire, you can attend
the free fire prevention and safety seminars conducted by your local fire station during
March, declared as Fire Prevention Month. You can also read various fire-safety tips to
reduce the risk of fire incidents in your home.
References

Books: Bautista, L. A. (2021). Fire Behavior and Arson Investigation (3 rd Edition). Wiseman’s Books Trading Inc.,171 Tandang Sora
Ave., Brgy Tandang Sora, Quezon City.

Revisa, W.A. & Rondina L. C. B. (2015). Fire Organization and Administration with Fire Operations. Unit 302, 3rd Floor, DM Building
#32 Visayas Ave., Corner Congressional Ave., Project 6, Quezon City

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t4paaehNWYA)

https://www.lamudi.com.ph/journal/fire-code-philippines/
#Applicability_of_Fire_Code_of_the_Philippines_and_Enforcement_Responsibility

NOTE: PLEASE RESEARCH PERTINENT SECTIONS AND PROVISIONS

OF FIRE CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES (R.A. 9514) AND INCLUDE/ADD
IT TO YOUR REPORT. THANK YOU!