Suel said since 2007, they have responded to about 250 home fires, and majority of these fires caused the displacement of their homeowners.
He said faulty electrical wiring is another leading cause of home fires, and this is why they are encouraging the community to have their electrical wiring set up by certified persons who know what they are doing.
Suel said the fire division is striving to reduce the occurrence of home fires through prevention and protection education.
“We will be conducting public awareness campaigns in the public and private schools,” he said.
Suel said residents who have a home fire escape plan are more prepared and have better chances of surviving a fire.
“We are urging the people to drop by our office and bring a layout of their houses so we can advise a fire escape route for you,” he said.
According to the proclamation designating declaring Oct. 5-11 as CNMI Fire Prevention Week, home fires have killed more than 2,500 people in the United States in 2006.
This was based on the latest research from the nonprofit National Fire Protection Association.
The fire departments in the United States have also responded to nearly 400,000 home fires.
Gov. Benigno R. Fitial, who signed the proclamation yesterday, urged the community to protect their homes and families by heeding the important safety messages and support the public safety activities of the Department of Public Safety.
This year’s theme is “It’s Fire Prevention Week-Prevent Home Fires!
Also present in the proclamation signing were DPS Commissioner Santiago F. Tudela, personnel from the fire division and cadets from the police academy.
