Volunteer Fire Brigade Training Module 1 general information

General Information
Fire Brigade Mandatory Training – Version 1.0 August 2012
Training Course Provided by the Pre-Fire Planning, Training and Community Relations Section (PFPT-CRS),
Zamboanga City Fire District (ZCFD), Bureau of Fire Protection – 9 (BFP-9) Page 1 of 11
MODULE 1
General Information
Trainee Guide

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Introduction
Welcome to Module 1. During this module, we will discuss some background, creation and
responsibilities of the Bureau of Fire Protection, roles and relationship of a fire brigade/fire volunteer to BFP
Introduction to Fire Services. Becoming a firefighter takes a lot of time, education and dedication. This course
will look into the introduction to the field of fire protection, fire service, traditions, terminology, organization
and operations of the fire service.
Purpose: The class focus is on basic safety considerations and essential information required before a
member of a fire brigade responds to an incident and provides an understanding of the roles and
responsibilities of the fire service at the basic level. The purpose of this module is to provide the knowledge of
what to expect in this mandatory training, a basic understanding on how the organizational structures of the
fire service and how it could affect them. Firefighters must be acquainted and understand the responsibilities
of their job.
Scope: For the next hour, we will discuss the legal mandates given to the Bureau of Fire Protection, roles and
responsibilities of the fire brigade during fire operation, the creation of the fire brigade organization and
relationship of the fire brigade/fire volunteer to the Bureau of Fire Protection.
Objectives: By the end of this module, you will:
1. Know the historical background of the Bureau of Fire Protection.
2. Know what are the roles and responsibilities of a fire brigade member during a firefighting operation.
3. Know what are the limitations of a fire volunteer/fire brigade member.
3. Know what is Fire Service.
Conditions: The instruction you’ll receive in this module is intended for fire volunteers/fire brigade
members, meaning, it is our assumption that you know little or nothing about firefighting. Instruction will take
place in a classroom environment. We will use lecture, conference, demonstration, and practical exercise
methods to deliver your instruction.

General Information
Introduction to Fire Safety Services
a. Importance of Fire Safety Services
Firefighters (historically firemen) are rescuers extensively trained primarily to extinguish
hazardous fires that threaten civilian populations and property, and to rescue people from dangerous
incidents, such as collapsed and burning buildings. The increasing complexity of modern industrialized
life with an increase in the scale of hazards has created an increase in the skills needed in firefighting
technology and a broadening of the firefighter-rescuer's remit. They sometimes provide emergency
medical services. The fire service, or fire and rescue service, also known in some countries as the fire
brigade or fire department, is one of the main emergency services. Firefighting and firefighters have
become ubiquitous around the world, from wild land areas to urban areas, and aboard ships.
b. Negative Effects of Fire
Fire for one consumes oxygen and burns flammable items. They can burn down whole forests
and everything! They can burn things not meant to be burned like plastic releasing toxic fumes into the
air. It can burn animals and people too.
Fire in its most common form can result in conflagration, which has the potential to cause
physical damage through burning. Fire is an important process that affects ecological systems across
the globe. The negative effects of fire include water contamination, soil erosion, atmospheric pollution
and hazard to human and animal life.
c. Positive Effects of Fire
The positive effects of fire include stimulating growth and maintaining various ecological
systems. Fire has been used by humans for cooking, generating heat, signaling, and propulsion
purposes.
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
During President Marcos Administration (1970’s) PD 1185 also known as the FIRE CODE OF THE
PHILIPPINES was enacted in answer to the increase of fire incidents that affect the development of our
country. Memorandum of Agreement was also made between the Fire Code of the Philippines and the
National Building Code (P.D. 1096) to incorporate in building plans fire safety feature. Fire service in the
Philippines was first designated to selected members of the Philippine Constabulary- Integrated National
Police. These personnel serve their duties and responsibilities as firefighters.
For organizations, the same philosophy follows. Every group strives for due acceptance and distinct
respect from the society. And one agency in the midst of this feat is the Bureau of Fire Protection that has

General Information
struggled afar in its existence. Firefighters were under the PC-INP administration. Gone were the days when
BFP was just a shadow of the defunct Philippine Constabulary-Integrated National Police (PC-INP). With
Republic Act 6975 or the DILG Act of 1990, the BFP has built its own image and has become one of the
dynamic and vibrant arms of the government in the public safety services. And with the passage of Republic
Act 9514 otherwise known as the Fire Code of the Philippines of 2008, the BFP has opened floodgates of
hopes, avenues for changes and boulevards of opportunities to create an even better stature in the arena of
public safety service.
Optimistic of the good things the new law will provide, the entire organization exhausts every possible
means to live up to the mandates of law and enforce it with equality and justice, fairness and impartiality,
righteousness and integrity. Yet, the bitter truth is that it is close to impossible to gratify everybody, especially
when the people concerned became used of the habitual practices where comfort abounds in clutched of illicit
advantage.
It also serves as an avenue for collaboration among enforcers and practitioners to share knowledge
and expertise which can result to a more developed and enhanced fire safety profession. It further guaranteed
compliance with the extant provision of the new Fire Code allowing the BFP to accredit Fire Safety
Practitioners as cohorts in ensuring fire safety in buildings or structures, thus, sharing its responsibilities and
accountabilities with others.
As the agency now looks forward to a more improved and enhanced BFP, it is imperative that
innovative ways of dealing with the evolving fire safety technology be also considered to be in step with the
change of time. And as it crosses amid change, it has still a long way to go, but with mutual respect, dedication
and vigor to greatness among its personnel and the active involvement of the general public, there is really no
such thing as impossible.
Mission
To prevent and suppress destructive fires, investigate its causes and provide emergency
medical and rescue services, and enforce other fire related laws with active involvement of the
community.
BFP is responsible for ensuring public safety through prevention and/or suppression of all destructive
fires on buildings, houses, and other similar structure, forests, and land transportation vehicles and
equipment, ships/vessels docked at piers, wharves or anchored at major seaports, petroleum industry
installations. It is also responsible for the enforcement of the Fire Code of the Philippines (RA 9514) and other
related laws, conduct investigations involving fire incidents and causes thereof including the filing of
appropriate complaints/cases.

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Vision
A modern fire protection agency working towards a safe and progressive society.
IMPLEMENTING RULES AND REGULATIONS (IRR) OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9514
OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE “FIRE CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES OF 2008”
Pursuant to the provision of Section 14 in relation to Section 5 of Republic Act No. 9514, entitled “AN
ACT ESTABLISHING A COMPREHENSIVE FIRE CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES, REPEALING PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO.
1185, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES”, the following Rules and Regulations are hereby adopted in order to carry
out the provisions of this Code.
RULE 1. INTERPRETATION
This IRR shall be interpreted in the light of the Declaration of Policy found in Section 2 of the Code:
“It is the policy of the State to ensure public safety, promote economic development through the prevention
and suppression of all kinds of destructive fires, and promote the professionalization of the fire service as a
profession. Towards this end, the State shall enforce all laws, rules and regulations to ensure adherence to
standard fire prevention and safety measures, and promote accountability in the fire protection and
prevention service.”
RULE 2. COVERAGE
This IRR shall cover the following:
A. All persons;
B. All private or public buildings, facilities or structures and their premises erected or constructed
before and after the effectivity hereof;
C. Design and installation of mechanical, electronics and electrical systems relative to fire protection;
D. Manufacturing, storage, handling and/or use, and transportation of explosives and/or combustible,
flammable liquids and gases, toxic and other hazardous materials and operations, and their wastes;
E. Fire safety planning, design, construction, repair, maintenance, rehabilitation and demolition;
F. Fire protective and warning equipment or systems;
G. All land transportation vehicles and equipment, ships or vessels docked at piers or wharves or
anchored in seaports; and
H. Petroleum industry installations.

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Roles and Responsibility of Fire Brigade
SECTION 6.0.2.4 DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF A FIRE BRIGADE CHIEF
A. He/She shall be responsible for the development of fire prevention programs and plans of action for the
company or organization to address possible fire situation in the plant or community, subject to the
approval of the company or establishment head or fire prevention officer;
B. He/She shall initiate the procurement of necessary firefighting equipment and supplies for use of the
brigades;
C. He/She shall conduct periodic evaluation of all equipment available for firefighting and be responsible
for setting in motion necessary procedures for replacing missing equipment or correction of inoperative
equipment;
D. He/She shall also bring to the immediate attention of the company or establishment head, or his fire
prevention officer, any situation that would likely reduce the effectiveness of firefighting operations;
E. He/She shall ensure that the brigades are suitably staffed, conduct periodic review of the fire brigade
roster and prepare recommendations on the need for additional members to be selected, appointed
and made available to beef up the team.
F. He/She shall prepare training programs for the members of the fire brigade and supervise its
implementation; and
G. In his/her absence, the Deputy Fire Brigade Chief shall assume and perform the duties and
responsibilities of the Fire Brigade Chief.
Organization and Relationship of Fire Brigade/Fire Volunteer to BFP
RULE 6. FIRE BRIGADES, FIRE VOLUNTEER ORGANIZATIONS AND FIRE SAFETY PRACTITIONERS
DIVISION 1. SCOPE
This Rule shall govern the organization, equipage, operation, and proficiency training of company and
community fire brigades as well as continuous training and competency evaluation of fire volunteers and fire
volunteer organizations in the country who shall undergo mandatory fire suppression, inspection, rescue,
emergency medical services and other related emergency response training programs and competency
evaluations to be conducted by the BFP. This also prescribes the continuous professional education,
competency evaluation and recognition of Fire Safety Practitioners, to be conducted by the BFP. For this
purpose, the term “company” shall include government and/or private offices and buildings.

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At present, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) has insufficient number of personnel and equipment. Hence, it
welcomes the support of private volunteer fire brigades and firefighters during fire incidents. However, because of the
absence of the clear cut rules or guidelines to define the relationship between the BFP firefighters and the Volunteer
Fire Brigades (VFB) during fire incidents, problems are bound to arise especially in establishing lateral coordination
among all responding volunteer units during the conduct of firefighting operations. In order to improve the existing
cooperation between government firefighters and Volunteer Fire Brigades, the Secretary, DILG called for the
formulation of standard operating procedures or set of protocols that will determine how the volunteer firefighters can
best assist the BFP during fires. The Bureau of Fire Protection, being the agency with the legal mandate as provided for
by RA 6975, should supervise the training of members of Volunteer Fire Brigades, orienting them on the decorum of fire
fighters and protocol in firefighting, and giving lectures on the maximization of the effectiveness of the personnel and
synchronization with the Bureau’s resources to avoid unnecessary traffic and obstacles during firefighting operations. To
this effect, the BFP has to establish SOPs that will define the role of VFBs during the conduct of the firefighting
operations. To effect its legal mandate, the Bureau of Fire Protection shall evaluate all registrant Volunteer Fire Brigades
prior to their registration with the SEC. The BFP must favorably indorse the VFB’s application before the SEC issues the
corresponding Certificate of Incorporation.
DIVISION 2. ORGANIZATION OF FIRE BRIGADES
SECTION 6.0.2.1 REQUIREMENTS
A. All business establishments employing at least fifty (50) persons shall, in addition to the
requirements set forth under Section 7 of RA 9514 for the grant of Fire Safety Inspection Certificate (FSIC),
establish an organization of fire brigade to deal with fire and other related emergencies. The head of the
company, through its duly designated safety officer shall evaluate the potential magnitude of a fire emergency
within the company, and the availability of firefighting assistance from the BFP to determine the nature of the
organization to be established.
B. For buildings having various occupancies, the Building Administrator and/or owner shall initiate the
organization of a fire brigade in the premises irrespective of the number of occupants.
C. In cases where a fire brigade is already established for a building, said fire brigade shall be sufficient
to comply with the requirements of para “A” of this Section.
D. All barangays shall likewise endeavor to organize their own Fire Brigades.
SECTION 6.0.2.2 COMPOSITION
The organization of company fire brigades shall consist of the Fire Brigade Chief, which shall be
designated by the head of the company, and shall be assisted by selected personnel. In companies where
more persons are available, they must be organized into teams to function as a fire brigade established
according to its needs. The organization shall be such that a fire brigade is on duty or on call at all times.

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SECTION 6.0.2.3 COMPONENTS
The equipment that must be put into service at a fire or other related emergencies will determine the
number of men required for each operating unit or company into which the brigade is organized, and the total
number may be composed of two or more individuals to operate a specific item of equipment or a larger
group to perform more complicated operations. Each fire brigade shall have a Leader or a Chief. In his
absence, an Assistant Chief shall be appointed.
SECTION 6.0.2.5 QUALIFICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP IN THE COMPANY FIRE BRIGADE
Members of the fire brigade shall consist of persons who have met qualifications appropriate for the
fire brigade work. For establishments, members must be taken from the roster of its own workforce. The head
of the company shall identify the persons who are fit to perform fire operation activities and further assign
them to specific fire suppression positions.
SECTION 6.0.2.6 AVAILABILITY OF PERSONNEL
To qualify as a member of a fire brigade, individuals must be available to respond to fire alarms and
attend required training programs. A pre-arranged schedule for availability must be established to prevent
conflict of duties and to cover absences such as regular off-duty periods, vacations and sickness.
DIVISION 3. TRAINING OF FIRE BRIGADES, FIRE SAFETY PRACTITIONERS AND FIRE VOLUNTEER
ORGANIZATIONS
SECTION 6.0.3.1 CERTIFICATE OF COMPETENCY
A. Certificate of Competency shall be issued to fire volunteers, members of fire brigades and fire safety
practitioners after completion of the mandatory training and competency evaluations conducted by the BFP
and upon submission of the following documentary requirements:
1. Certificate of completion of the fire suppression training;
2. Personal profile;
3. Certificate of employment, in the case of fire safety practitioners; and
4. Other documents the BFP may require.
SECTION 6.0.3.2 TRAINING DESIGN
A training design shall be developed by the BFP for fire brigades, fire safety practitioners and fire
volunteer organizations. Members shall be required to complete the specified program of instruction.

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SECTION 6.0.3.3 SCOPE OF TRAINING
A. All members of the fire brigade shall undergo training on fire suppression, rescue, emergency
medical services and related emergency response. They shall be instructed on the handling of available fire
rescue apparatus, equipment, devices and tools. The training program shall be adapted to suit the purpose of
the particular brigade. It shall include fire suppression strategies, tactics, techniques and the use of portable
fire extinguishers and other equipment, devices and tools.
B. In the case of fire safety practitioners, they shall undergo mandatory continuous professional
education and competency evaluation of their expertise, knowledge and skills in the areas of fire science,
engineering and technology to be conducted by the BFP.
SECTION 6.0.3.4 ASSISTANCE IN TRAINING PROGRAMS
The BFP shall assist in setting up a training program for the fire brigade and fire volunteer organization.
Members of the fire brigade and fire volunteer organization shall be afforded opportunities to improve their
knowledge on fire prevention and suppression through attendance in seminars and special training classes.
SECTION 6.0.3.5 IDENTIFICATION
Members of the volunteer fire brigade organization shall wear proper identification cards duly signed
by the head of their organization and authenticated by the City/Municipal Fire Marshal having jurisdiction
over the area.
DIVISION 4. COMMAND, EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE AND FIRE DRILLS
SECTION 6.0.4.1 PRACTICE DRILLS
Practice drills shall be held to check the ability of members to perform the operations they are
expected to carry out. Drills shall be occasionally held under adverse weather conditions to work on special
procedures needed under such circumstances.
SECTION 6.0.4.2 OPERATION OF EQUIPMENT
In practice drills, all available equipment, devices and tools for fire suppression and medical and rescue
operation must be operated.
SECTION 6.0.4.3 REACTIVATION OF EQUIPMENT
At the conclusion of a practice drill, equipment shall be made readily available to respond to a fire call.
SECTION 6.0.4.4 INSPECTION AND SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE WORK
Inspection and maintenance of fire equipment, both fixed and portable, may be assigned to individual
members of the fire brigade. However, the Fire Brigade Chief must establish the necessary schedules for such
work, and assign these duties to specific personnel and ensure that these inspection and maintenance
operations are carried out and reported.

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SECTION 6.0.4.5 COMMAND AT FIRE SCENE
During firefighting operations, the fire brigades and fire volunteer organizations shall be under the
direct operational control of the fire ground commanders of the BFP.
1. Responding VFBs must follow the instructions of the BFP fire ground commander or his duly authorized
representative in the proper positioning of fire trucks as well as provision of water, if necessary.
2. When responding, the VFB must notify the BFP of its operation through the BFP Fire Control
Operations Section (FCOS) or Fire Station that has jurisdiction of the fire scene for situational
assessment.
3. Other than augmenting the regular BFP firefighters during firefighting operations, the VFB must refrain
from performing functions exclusively delegated to the bonafide members of the BFP, such as
enforcement of the provisions of the Fire Code of the Philippines, local ordinances or statutes
pertaining to the rules and regulations of structural safety, but can pinpoint noted deficiencies,
violations and hazards for proper disposition of the authorities concerned. However, the BFP may
further accredit volunteer firefighters for fire preventions function, subject to pertinent laws, rules and
regulations.
4. The BFP shall have a group of instructors in the National Headquarters and in every region to train
Volunteer Fire Brigades on firefighting operations where they lack the necessary skills and competency.
5. Both parties may jointly devise a system of delegation of authority for the members of the Volunteer
Fire Brigades, which would be based on qualifications, merit and experience.
6. The Volunteer Fire Brigade may submit Personal Data Sheet and supporting documents to the
Municipal Fire Marshal/City Fire Marshal concerned where their stations are located, for records and
other lawful purposes.
7. Each Volunteer Fire Brigade may submit to the office of the Municipality/City Fire Marshal concerned
an After Operations Report (AfOR) of all fire incidents it had responded to within three (3) days from
the date of the firefighting operation.

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Review and Closing
Review: During this module, we have discussed some important matters relating to general information.
These included:
1. The historical background of the Bureau of Fire Protection.
2. The mandated laws governing the fire service.
3. The roles and responsibility of a fire brigade.
4. Performance of duties and responsibilities of a firefighter.
5. Command at the fire scene.
Closing: A firefighter’s job can become very demanding. The BFP, undergoing modernization and at present
lacks manpower to suitably address fire suppression needs of the country, would definitely need the help of
fire brigades and fire volunteers. As would be members of a fire brigade, what you have learned in this
module should give you the understanding and motivation to perform your duties and responsibilities when
the need arises.

Volunteer Fire Brigade Training Module 1 general information

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