Fire hydrants in Cebu City require maintenance and repair.
**"Alright, buddy! Let's dive into the latest scoop from the bustling city of Cebu! It seems like a fire hydrant inspection, headed by the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CCDRRMC) and pals, got a whole lotta flack back on June 3, 2025. The crew, which also included the Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD) and the Prevention Restoration Order Beautification and Enhancement (Probe) team, found some less-than-ideal situations for the city's fire hydrants.
Here's a breakdown of what went down: Out of a total of 226 fire hydrants, a whopping 52 suffered from low water pressure, 42 were non-functional, and 11 were obstructed. That's quite a bit, huh? But wait, there's more! Of the hydrants that were functional, a mere 19 had high water pressure, and only 23 were in good condition.
Firefighters have been vocal about these issues, particularly during emergencies when they've encountered non-functioning hydrants. CCDRRMC Chairman Ramil Ayuman emphasized the importance of checking the hydrants' condition, as it's a vital part of fire preparedness.
Ayuman said these hydrants must comply with the Fire Code. "The hydrants need to be compliant because even if there's water flowing out of them, fire operations can still be obstructed if they're blocked," Ayuman explained in Cebuano. He noted that if the issues aren't addressed, it could lead to increased risks during fires.
One recurring complaint from firefighters is that some hydrants' valves are loose, stressing the importance of proper valve functionality. Ayuman suggested the new City Hall administration should make it a priority to get all existing hydrants fully operational.
The Probe team is planning to send notices to establishments that have obstructed seven of the fire hydrants. Ayuman revealed that these hydrants were found obstructed in various barangays, including Suba, Sambag 2, Parian, Tejero, T. Padilla, and Pahina San Nicolas, where two hydrants were obstructed. Most of these obstructed hydrants were located on sidewalks.
Lastly, the CCDRRMC is working on budgeting for the needed repairs for the hydrants. So, it looks like about time we get those hydrants fixed up and ready for action!"
Insights:- The Fire Code[1][3][4] sets standards for fire hydrant function and placement to ensure efficient firefighting operations.- The recorded number of non-functional and obstructed hydrants poses increased risks during fires and hampers firefighting efforts.- The Probe team is executing legal action against establishments that have obstructed fire hydrants, as it can lead to hefty penalties.- Prioritizing fully operational fire hydrants will lessen risks during emergencies and ensure compliance with the Fire Code.
In the busy city of Cebu, there is a growing concern about the condition of fire hydrants, which are essential for public health and wellness, especially during medical-emergency situations like fires. The Fire Code sets standards for their function and placement, and it has been highlighted that the current state of some hydrants is non-compliant, posing increased risks and hindering effective science-based firefighting efforts. The Probe team is taking legal action against establishments that obstruct fire hydrants, as it is crucial to maintain their accessibility for public safety. A call to action is being made for the City Hall administration to prioritize the restoration of all fire hydrants to ensure safety and compliance with the Fire Code.
