One of the most common incident that is severely happening here in the Philippines, is the

burning of buildings and different establishment or other property and the crime of setting fire to
someone’s property-also called as arson. Perhaps, many of us have already witness incidents like
this especially that this is one of most common crime and incidents present here in the
Philippine. In fact there are already many incidents reported regarding these that have killed
hundreds and even thousands of people. Though most causes of these crime and incidents were
not properly identified, still there is one inference that could conclude the occurence of this act,
it is the illegal motive of the suspect to a certain property and the carelessness of people towards
their environment.

Last September 29, 2018 a seminar was conducted entitled "Symposium towards Approach on
Fire and Arson Investigation", wherein it was discussed the different approaches in investigating
fire and arson activity. One thing that was mentioned during the symposium was the different
methods in Fire Prevention and Public Safety Measures. For me this is very of great help
especially that most people could not really predict the occurence of fire-the when and how it
will occurs. Probably most people have already gain knowledge on how to prevent fire and other
related incidents, but it is still an advantage if most of us know how to apply these precautions.
We always have to be guided with the adage that says "Prevention is better than cure". Though
there are some instances where in the possible cause of fire was made intentionally by a person
with illegal motive and maybe there could be no more ways to prevent incidents like these, still if
we are prepared enough, we could still save our lives. Going back to what has been discussed in
the symposium, there were many ways of preventing fire . One is that we should begin with the
very basic, it is by imparting knowledge about fire safety and prevention. So far, the government,
particularly the Bureau of Fire Protection always conduct drills and seminars regarding fire
prevention and the different safety measures during fire at different school across the country.
This is one way of reaching out to the community in order to prevent incidents related to fire.
Another also is that, the government has implemented laws and regulation regarding the codes
and standards that require certain type of fire retardant materials and electric wiring to be used in
buildings. This is one way to ensure that each building and establishment will follow rules and
regulations in order to prevent the occurence of fire in any circumstances. By that way, people
could reduce the incidents related to fire. During the symposium it was also mentioned that
another way of preventing fire is through inspection of building and property. In many cases,fire
brigades and other public agencies inspect public buildings and establishment in order to secure
safety against fire incidents. They also provide corrective measures to such establishments if they
think there is a need and if they believe it is necessary. Of course this is just another way of our
government and the agency responsible of it to minimize and eradicate the possible occurence of
fire that may result to the lost of property and many lives. Another thing also that was discussed
during the symposium is about fire investigation. Based on what has been mentioned, it is a
must to investigate the occurence of fire in order to prevent similar incidents. During
investigation, the probable cause of fire is being identified so that another occurence will be
prevented. Though in some cases, the exact caused of fire is hard to identify, general knowledge
about the chemistry of fire could help the investigator arrived at a sound conclusion. The main
agency or bureau responsible for cases like this is the Bureau of Fire Protection. They are the
main agency tasks to make proper action in any activity or incidents related to fire. One thing
also that was discussed during the symposium was the Different Classification of Combustible
Materials. Knowledge about this kind of field is very useful not only to those people who are
undertaking this kind of work but to most citizens especially that most causes of fire is due to
unawareness of the little things that causes it. The first classification of combustible material is
Class A fuels, these kind of materials are usually made of organic substances such as wood and
wood-based product. These are the things we commonly used everyday, these includes rubber,
leather, and plastic materials. Knowledge on how to treat these kind of materials is very
important especially that these things are the common cause of fire. Another also is Class B
fuels, these materials are in form of flammable liquid such as alcohol, acidic solution, oil, and
other petroleum products. These kind of materials are of great help to the day to day living of the
people only when used properly and safely. Third classification of combustible material is Class
C fuels, compared to the other type of materials, this kind of fuel is fire resistant. These are
commonly the materials used in electrical appliances and wirings in order to eradicate fire if
possible. Last that was mentioned was the Class D fuels. Class D fuels are combustible metallic
substances such as magnesium, titanium and the like. These kind of combustible materials, when
combined with chemicals may create huge fire. In dealing with these kind of materials, proper
precautionary measures should be observed in order to avoid any fire related incidents. Another
thing also that was discussed during the symposium was Arson Investigation. When we speak
about arson-it is a crime of intentionally, deliberately and maliciously setting fire to buildings,
wildland areas, abandoned homes, vehicles or other property with the intent to cause damage or
enjoy the act. Basically, arson is the act of illegal burning of buliding or property with illegal
motive. Though in some cases, iinvestigation with this kind of act is somewhat complicated,
due to the fact that the destructive power of the fire often includes any evidence of its cause and
origin, still arson investigator has to rely solely to what they believe had happened. In what so
ever circumstances, the most important thing that people should always bear in mind is doing
action with proper measures in order to avoid incidents that could cause lost of properties and
lives.

The only thing we should always put in mind and bring into action is proper preparation and
safety. Although sometimes we can not really prevent nor procure incidents like these,
preparation and readiness always matters. Even if some people tend to do things and activities
like these for their personal advantage, still people should bear in mind that the welfare of most
citizens should always matter. Though the government had put specific bureaus and agencies that
will aid in the prevention and investigation of incidents like these, still as part of the state and as
citizen of this country, it is our responsibility and obligation to help one another to avoid and
prevent the occurence of this incident.