‘BETERANO na ni sa gira [This is a veteran in fighting fire],” said the fire chief of the Island Garden City of Samal, as he touched the back of the station’s oldest fire truck, that perhaps is the oldest running fire engine throughout the country.
It was acquired in 1958 but, at present, the city fire department still uses it.
“We’re still using and maintaining this, although it needs [wheel] alignment and [engine] overhaul,” said Fire Insp. Valentino Israel, Igacos fire chief.
The hitch though is: “Mahadlok ko basig di na kauli kay tiguwang na. [I’m afraid it might not be able to return on its own power after a fire because of old age.]”
The vintage 1958 firetruck is still in good condition and not corroded by rust. It runs on diesel and was made by Nissan of Japan.
Israel has been asking for at least one more fire engine to complement his current fleet of three, including the vintage one.
He is grateful for the active support of Mayor Aniano Antalan to the city fire department.
The Igacos fire station has 32 personnel, 23 of whom are regular employees of the Bureau of Fire Protection.
Israel said the current strength is enough because of the low incidence of fires on the island-city.
He has stationed the newest firetruck in Babak District, which is the most urbanized area on the island.
Israel has cautioned the islanders to be still extra careful in the use of electricity as, “December is the month when there’s high power consumption due to celebrations and Christmas lightings. A power overload can trigger fire.”
He advised residents to be wary over extended use of Christmas lightings and to put them off before they sleep at night.
Last month he and his personnel put off four fires.
This month, not a single fire has yet occurred on the island.