Evacuees warned of new danger from fireworks

AUTHORITIES are warning of a new threat to the tens of thousands of Filipinos evacuated from the vicinity of restive Mayon volcano — fireworks.

With makeshift camps in schools and churches overflowing, fears are growing that firecrackers on New Year’s Eve could set off a deadly blaze in the crowded buildings.

Governor Jose Salceda of Albay Province, where Mayon is located, has directed the Bureau of Fire Protection to conduct fire safety inspections of 29 evacuation centers to prevent accidents.

“Filipinos here want to celebrate the New Year and even if they only have a few pesos, they will spend some of it on fireworks,” said Melo Acuna, managing editor of the official news agency of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, CBCP News.

Even if people go out on the road to let off firecrackers “that could be dangerous,” Acuna said.

A total of 47,000 evacuees have been moved to safety but are living in trying conditions. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology on Dec. 30 maintained alert level 4 (out of 5) around the volcano area. The volcano could erupt within days, scientists warn.

Bishop Joel Baylon of Legazpi is worried that the evacuation centers are “very crowded.” He told UCA News an average of 100 persons, mostly women and children, have settled in classrooms when United Nations regulations had set the ideal maximum number of refugees at 50 to a room.

Fireworks are a perennial problem in the Philippines with many believing the noise will drive away bad luck for the New Year. Police and other gun owners also fire their weapons in the air come midnight on New Year’s Eve.

Last year, there were 346 injuries caused by fireworks or stray bullets.

For full report, read UCA News story