Over 500 firefighters from different parts of the Philippines have gathered in Baguio City to compete in the 2024 Fire Olympics held at Burnham Park.

Fire Director Louie Puracan said the games aim to enhance the capabilities of fire brigades, volunteers, and community firefighters in preparing for fire-related emergencies.

Participants engage in various challenges such as the Community Fire Prevention game where contestants use buckets to fill drums with water, aiming to hit the target accurately.

Another activity was the Blazing Competition or Tug of War, where teams raced to pull a firetruck to the finish line.

The Tower Blitz proved to be one of the most challenging events, requiring participants to extinguish a fire on the third floor of a building and evacuate a victim on a stretcher.

The Fire Olympics is scheduled until March 21, 2024.

Meanwhile, over 300 participants engaged in intense competition at the Provincial Fire Olympics held in San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte. 

"As we are doing this, mas kina-capacitate ‘yung skill nila sa fire suppression na mismo," FSUPT. Roxanne Parado, the Provincial Fire Marshal said.

Participants showcased their proficiency in activities like hose laying and replacement, bucket relay, and flammable liquid fire extinguishment.

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) encourages the public to participate in fire drills to be prepared in times of emergencies.

"Malaking maitutulong sa barangay namin para pag magkaroon ng ganitong sunog, kami ang unang magresponde at matutulungan namin ‘yung mga constituent namin," Felix Hermano, the Barangay Chairman of Barangay 4 in Sarrat, said.