Challenges Encountered and Insights of the Bureau of Fire Protection Personnel Towards Responding Fire Incident

Abstract

In a fire incident, fire fighters struggle too much for the safety of our communities. This study explored the challenges encountered by the BFP of Ozamiz City in responding fire incidents. It utilized the phenomenological research design. It was participated by the Bureau of Fire Protection in Ozamiz City, Misamis Occidental. Interview responses were analyzed using Moussakas' Transcendental phenomenological reduction. This study generated five themes: (1) Scarcity in Responding Fire Incident, (2) An Arduous work that Demands Physical and Psychological Strength, (3) Frustration in the Work, (4) Collaboration and Cooperation in Fire Safety and Prevention, (5) Serving the People. In this study, the researcher analyzed the data using the narrative and phenomenology methods of Moustakas for the gathering of information through open-ended and conversational communication. As a result, most of the participants have different challenges encountered in responding fire incident. These challenges made an impact physically and mentally which is extremely stressful and draining during a fire incident. On the other hand, the participants have learned how to maintain active connection with the public, promote fire safety, and raise the number of force multipliers. Further, the BFP should have the full support of the community when an emergency occurs. Lastly, the participants have sensible of their actions. To mitigate firefighter life-safety concerns and achieve successfully fireground outcomes, it is critically important for firefighters to have the necessary preparedness capabilities to respond. Firefighter preparedness consists of technical and contextual knowledge, specialized training, and firefighting experience.