R.A.

9514, WITH EMPHASIS ON

SECTIONS 1 TO 9 OF THE LAW
 REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9514
REPEALED PD 1185
AN ACT ESTABLISHING A COMPREHENSIVE
FIRE CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES,
REPEALING PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO.
1185 AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Fire Prevention Month is annually celebrated
in the Philippines every March. Schools and
governments take action to discuss and
bring awareness about the common causes,
hazards, and prevention of fires. The
objectives of fire-prevention programs are
avoiding fatalities, property loss, and
building inactivity.
 The peak of the fire season usually
begins in the middle of February and
lasts for about 13 weeks. It was reported
that between March 28, 2022, and March
20, 2023, there were an average of 250
fire alerts which is considered low when
compared to reports from 2012. This
may be a result of the Revised Fire Code
of the Philippines.
 Enforcement of fire safety regulations
must be proactive and efficient. The
Bureau of Fire Protection is guided by
the Implementing Rules and Regulations
(IRR) of RA 9514 when enforcing the law
to maintain safety for the public and
economic growth by avoiding and
putting down all types of
destructive fires.
 The IRR was amended on October 16,
2019, and went into effect as a result of
the need for technical and technological
advancements in building plans and
structures.
What is PD 1185 and RA 9514?
 Republic Act No. 9514 is the amended
or revised passage from Presidential
Decree No. 1185 or also known as the
Fire Code of the Philippines. The lapses
from PD 1185 were sorted out and
resolved at the commencement of RA
9514.
 The objectives of the Fire Code of the
Philippines are simple but not limited to
providing public knowledge and getting
everyone involved in fire prevention and
suppression to reduce fire losses.
 While the goal is to avoid the economic
and social advantages of society being
undermined by fire-related injuries,
fatalities, and property loss and damage
that have reached alarming levels.
 This all can be done by adopting
international fire safety standards which
apply to Filipinos, which cover buildings
with fire safety in mind, and put security
and safety features in structures.
 As a result, the danger of injury and
death is decreased and sufficient
precautions are taken in the event of a
fire.
Enforcement of the Fire
Code of the Philippines
 The inclusions that will be applied to
buildings and infrastructures to prevent
fire shall be enforced by the chief of the
Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) with the
cooperation of the secretary of DILG.
They are authorized to:
• Create implementing rules and
regulations, and administrative sanctions;
• Enter into long-term contracts for the Fire
Service’s purchase of equipment,
materials, supplies, and related technical
services for fire prevention, fire-fighting
equipment, and fire protection. Public
auctions or talks with upfront payments
can be used to accomplish this; and
• Defining areas of cooperation and
coordination, and entering into
Memoranda of Understanding with
other governmental agencies and
commercial organizations. They ought
to specify who is in charge of things
like fire safety, fire prevention
education, fire suppression, and other
pressing issues.
SAFETY MEASURES AND INSPECTIONS
 The technical staff for the BFP Chief
shall be made up of highly qualified
individuals with expertise in fire safety,
fire prevention, and fire suppression.
They could come from other places
outside the BFP’s organic members and
other governmental institutions and
agencies. In the latter scenario, they will
be employed as consultants or assigned
to the service by the law.
 The technical staff is responsible for
studying, reviewing, and evaluating the
most recent advancements in fire
technology; developing plans and
programs for fire safety, prevention, and
suppression; and creating initiatives for
the formalization of the fire service.
Inspection
 As stated in Section 8 of the Fire Code
of the Philippines, all owners, tenants,
management, and other responsible
people of a building and structure shall
follow and act in accordance with the
inspection requirements.
 Local government units and other
related government entities must
undertake a fire safety inspection before
issuing permits and/or licenses, and the
Director General or his legally appointed
agent must do so as well.
 The use or habitation of buildings or
structures must also be inspected. The
installation of fire safety and protection
equipment, as well as the electrical
system in any building or structure, are
all included in the inspection.
 Additionally, the BFP has the right to
check how explosives are stored,
handled, and/or used inside a building or
other premises that include combustible,
ignitable, poisonous, or other hazardous
materials.
 Examples of materials that are
hazardous and should be properly
stored are combustible waste products,
corrosive liquids such as ammonium
nitrate and oxidizing materials, cellular
materials like nitrate plastic and foam,
paints, firework materials, and the like.
 Other operations and processes that
require fire safety measures are:
• Welding
• Soldering
• Smelting
• Forging
• Trash Management
As part of the Fire Safety Program under
the Fire Code of the Philippines, a
building or structure shall have fire safety
systems such as:
• A fire exit plan on every floor
• Firewalls to adjacent buildings
• Systems for fire detection and
suppression
• Roof vents for firefighters
• Etc.
Roof vents
 If you are looking for a condo for
sale, you must look for these features
so you will be ensured of safety in
case of fire.
Prohibition
 It is important to know what the
prohibited acts are to avoid penalties
and disorganization. For your
knowledge, here are some of the
actions that were declared
prohibited:
• Obstructing or blocking the exit
ways for fire safety purposes such
as stairways, balconies, or exits of
any kind
• Blocking or obstruction of the
firetruck passages
• Blocking or locking fire exits during
period when people are inside the
building
• Starting malicious or false alarms
 Penalties
Administrative Penalty
 Any violation of the Fire Code shall
result in no more than PHP 50,000
administrative fine for the offender. In
addition, those who violate the rules
risk having their properties
suspended or closed.
 Following this clause, a person has
fifteen days from the time they
receive the order imposing the
administrative punishment, stopping
activities, and/or closing to file an
appeal with the Secretary of National
Defense. The choice made by the
Secretary of National Defense is final
and enforceable.
 PUNITIVE PENALTY
A violation faces a sentence of six months to six
years in prison if they don’t fix the problem or get rid
of the fire hazard. A fine of no more than PHP 20,000
will also be imposed on the offender. The officials of
any companies, corporations, partnerships, or
groups guilty of such offenses will face jail time
and/or fines. In addition to the specified punishments,
the offender who is an immigrant will be deported
right away. Finally, if the infringement results in a
death or serious property damage, the violator will be
prosecuted by the relevant regulations.
Consider Fire Safety When
Buying Properties
 If you have been on the lookout for
house and lot properties for sale, we
hope this article has helped you to be
vigilant if it passes and complies with
the Fire Code of the Philippines.
 And as disasters and emergencies
come when least expected, here are the
best tips to prevent fire in your place. Put
smoke alarms and warning system inside
bedrooms and outside sleeping spaces
on every level of your house. Every
month, test the smoke alarms. Replace
the batteries if they’re not operating.
Discuss a fire escape strategy with every
family member and test it twice a year.
 Attend the free fire prevention and
safety seminars offered by your local
fire station every March, which has
been designated as Fire Prevention
Month, if you’d like to learn more
about preventing fires and dealing
with them.
 Republic Act No. 6975
(December 13, 1990) established
the Bureau of Fire
Protection under a
reorganized Department of the
Interior and Local Government.
 The Bureau of Fire Protection
as provided under R.A. 6975, R.A.
9263 and R.A. 9592
RA 6975, CHAPTER IV BUREAU
OF FIRE PROTECTION
Section 53. Composition. – The
Bureau of Fire Protection,
hereinafter referred to as the Fire
Bureau, is hereby created initially
consisting of the existing officers
and uniformed members of the
fire service of the Integrated
National Police as constituted
under Presidential Decree No.
765.
Section 54. Powers and Functions. – The
Fire Bureau shall be responsible for the
prevention and suppression of all
destructive fires on buildings, houses and
other structures, forest, land
transportation vehicles and equipment,
ships or vessels docked at piers or
wharves or anchored in major seaports,
petroleum industry installations, plane
crashes and other similar incidents, as
well as the enforcement of the Fire Code
and other related laws.
 The Fire Bureau shall have the power to
investigate all causes of fires and, if
necessary, file the proper complaints
with the city or provincial prosecutor who
has jurisdiction over the case.
 Section 55. Organization. – The Fire
Bureau shall be headed by a chief
who shall be assisted by a deputy
chief. It shall be composed of
provincial offices, district offices and
city or municipal stations.
 At the provincial level, there shall be an
office of the provincial fire marshall
which shall implement the policies, plans
and programs of the Department; and
monitor, evaluate and coordinate the
operations and activities of the fire
service operating units at the city and
municipal levels. In the case of large
provinces, district offices may be
established, to be headed by a district
fire marshall.
 At the city or municipal level, there
shall be a fire station, each headed by a
city or municipal fire marshall: Provided,
That, in the case of large cities and
municipalities, a district office with
subordinate fire stations headed by a
district fire marshall may be organized as
necessary.
 The Fire Chief shall recommended to
the Secretary the organizational
structure and staffing pattern, as well as
the disciplinary machinery for officers
and men of the Bureau, in accordance
with the guidelines set forth herein and
as provided in Section 85 of this Act.
 The local government units at the city
and municipal levels shall be responsible
for the fire protection and various
emergency services such as rescue and
evacuation of injured people at fire-
related incidents and, in general, all fire
prevention and suppression measures to
secure the safety of life and property of
the citizenry.
 Section 56. Establishment of Fire
Station. – There shall be established at
least one (1) fire station with adequate
personnel, firefighting facilities and
equipment in every provincial capital, city
and municipality subject to the
standards, rules and regulations as may
be promulgated by the Department. The
local government unit shall, however,
provide the necessary and or site of the
station.
 Section 57. Qualification Standards. –
The qualification standards of the
members of the Fire Bureau shall be as
prescribed by the Department based on
the requirement of the service.
 Section 58. Rank Classification. – For
purposes of efficient administration,
supervision and control, the rank
classification of the members of the Fire
Bureau shall be as follows:
Director
Chief Superintendent
Senior Superintendent
Superintendent
Chief Inspector
Senior Inspector
Inspector Senior Fire Officer IV
Senior Fire Officer III
Senior Fire Officer II
Senior Fire Officer I
Fire Officer III
Fire Officer II
Fire Officer I
Section 59. Key Positions. – The head
of the Fire Bureau with the rank of
director shall have the position title of
Chief of the Fire Bureau. He shall be
assisted by a deputy chief with the
rank of chief superintendent.
 The assistant heads of the Department's regional
offices with the rank of senior superintendent shall
assume the position title of Assistant Regional Director
for Fire Protection as provided in Section 11 of this Act;
the heads of the NCR district offices with the rank of
senior superintendent shall have the position title of
District Fire Marshall; the heads of the provincial
offices with the rank of superintendent shall be known
as Provincial Fire Marshall; the heads of the district
offices with the rank of chief inspector shall have the
position title of District Fire Marshall; and the heads of
the municipal or city stations with the rank of senior
inspector shall be known as Chief of Municipal/City Fire
Station.
 Republic Act No. 9263
March 10, 2004
AN ACT PROVIDING FOR THE
PROFESSIONALIZATION OF THE BUREAU
OF FIRE PROTECTION (BFP) AND THE
BUREAU OF JAIL MANAGEMENT AND
PENOLOGY (BJMP), AMENDING CERTAIN,
PROVISIONS OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 6975,
PROVIDING FUNDS THEREOF AND FOR
OTHER PURPOSES
1. A stage in fire growth where a fire increases in size
form small flames to full fire that involves the entire
room.
2. It is the sudden involvement of a room or area in
flames from floor to ceiling caused by thermal radiation
feedback.
3. Fully developed stage of fire growth is also known as:
4. It is a stage of fire growth where visible flames have
started to diminish, and the fire continues to smolder.
5. In what stage of fire growth where a possible
backdraft could happen?
6. It is a smoke explosion which can occur when additional
oxygen is introduced into a smoldering fire and the heated
gases enter their flammable range and ignite with explosive
force.
7. What possible to occur with these: Heavy dense smoke with
no visible flame in a tightly close occupancy, black smoke
pushing out around closed doors or window frames, and glass
stained with smoke condensation and pulsating from the
pressure of the fire.
8. Fires that quickly become ventilation limited due to their
higher fuel load.
9. The heated gases are pushed under pressure from the fire
area into uninvolved areas. When this mixture ignites, flashes
of flame can be seen in this layer of smoke. This condition is
known as:
10. In this stage of fire growth, the entire room and contents
are involved in fire.
 FIRE AND
ARSON
INVESTIGATION
 Composition of
Investigation Team
and Their
Designated
Responsibilities
1. Team Leader
2. Lead Fire Arson Investigator
3. Fire Scene Photographer
4. Fire Scene Sketch Preparer
5. Evidence Recovery Personnel and
Custodian
6. Team Security Personnel
1. Team Leader - assumes overall
control of the fire scene.
2. Lead Fire Arson Investigator -
coordinates with the Team Leader
regarding appropriate investigation
approach.
3. Fire Scene Photographer –
photographs the fire scene prior
entry of the investigation team and
during walk-through.
4. Fire Scene Sketch Preparer –
diagrams and illustrates the
immediate area of the fire scene.
5. Evidence Recovery Personnel and
Custodian – conducts actual
exhaustive search of probable
pieces of evidence with the direct
guidance of the Team Leader and
Lead FAI at the fire scene.
6. Team Security Post (ICP) –
ensures the overall security/safety of
the investigating team.
Incident Command Post (ICP) - the
designated area for planning and
communication point for members of
the Fire Arson Investigation.
GENERAL PROCEDURES
A. PRE/BEFORE
FIRST RESPONDER PERFORMS INITIAL ACTIONS
1. Fire Arson Investigator (FAI) receives assignment
from the unit commander.
2. Fire Arson Investigation Team responds
immediately and proceeds to the fire scene.
2.1 Size up / assess fire scene.
2.2 Cordon and secure the fire scene to prevent
entry of any unauthorized person.
2.3 Conduct initial interview to available witnesses
within the immediate vicinity of the fire scene.
3. Fire Scene Photographer documents the fire scene
using camera / video.
4. FAI preserves and protects the evidential value of
the identified focal point of fire (evidence spoliation),
and prepares inventory of the items.
5. FAI prepares the Fire Investigation Response Form
(FIRP).
6. Team Leader / Lead Fire Arson Investigator reports
to superior or higher investigating unit officer about
the incident, and if necessary, turn over the conduct
of investigation according to the Level of Authority.
B. ACTUAL/DURING
CONDUCT ON-SCENE / ON-SITE
INVESTIGATION
7. Team Leader / Lead Fire Arson Investigator
establishes Incident Command Post (ICP).
8. Fire Arson Investigation Team performs
preliminary survey by conducting
walkthrough to have an initial assessment of
the fire scene.
9. FAI establishes the pre-fire condition of the
fire scene by theoretically reconstructing the
burned structure.
10. FAI determines the external and internal
degree of damages caused by the fire.
11. FAI conducts thorough analysis of the Fire
Spread Patterns to identify the Point of Fire
Origin.
12. Fire Scene Photographer documents the
fire area by the use of any verifiable means or
source of recording.
13. Fire Scene Sketch Preparer diagrams or
sketches the immediate area of the fire scene.
C. POST/AFTER
SUBMIT MANDATORY REPORT
14. Fire Arson Investigation Team
submits Spot Investigation Report
(SIR) within 24 hours to MFM/CFM
copy furnished DFM, PFM, RD, Chief,
BFP thru IID, BFP-NHQ.
DETERMINATION OF THE ORIGIN
OF FIRE, CAUSE AND LIABILITY
 The origin of a fire is one of the
most important hypotheses that the
investigator needs to develop and
test during the investigation.
Generally, if the origin cannot be
determined, the cause cannot be
determined and if the correct origin
is not identified, the subsequent
cause determination will also be
incorrect.
DEFINITIONS:
Incident Command Post (ICP) – the
designated area for planning and
communication point for members of the Fire
Arson Investigation.
Fire Spread – the movement of fire from one
place to another.
Fire Pattern - the visible or measurable
physical changes, or identifiable shapes,
formed by a fire effect or group of fire effects.
Point of Fire Origin / Base of Fire – exact
physical location where a heat source and a
fuel came in contact with each other and
where the fire begins.
Methodical Examination – the systematic
approach in all relevant details found at the
fire scene during the actual conduct of
investigation.
Scientific Method – the analytical process
necessary in a successful conduct of
investigation.
Evidence Spoliation – loss, destruction or
material alteration of an object or document
which can be used in a legal proceeding by a
person who has the responsibility for its
preservation.
Determining Fire Cause
 The determination of the cause of
the fire requires the identification of
materials, circumstances and
factors that were necessary for the
fire to have occurred. Likewise, the
determination of the cause of fire
will expose whether or not a certain
person or entity must be held legally
accountable for the occurrence of
the fire.
 Fire Arson Investigator (FAI)
handling the case may require Fire
Arson Investigator (FAI) handling the
case may require other documents
necessary in the conduct of the
investigation.
 And should also consider and
delve into other possible sources of
information. (Local neighborhood
inquiry, available public records,
concerned insurance company/ies
and other reliable sources).
 Fire Arson Investigator (FAI) must
follow the instructions pertaining to
evidence collection and handling of
evidence as provided for in
MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO.
2010-LAB-01: Guidelines in the
Collection, Labeling, Preservation,
Chain of Custody and Submission of
Physical Evidence to BFP
Laboratory.
DEFINITIONS:
Area of Fire Origin – the
room or area where the
fire began.
Inductive Reasoning – the process by which a
person starts from a particular experience
and proceeds to generalizations. The process
by which hypothesis are developed based
upon observable or knows facts and the
training, experience, knowledge, and
expertise of the observer.
INTERVIEW AND QUESTIONING
OF WITNESSES
DETERMINING RESPONSIBILITY AND
LIABILITY
 References:
https://car.bfp.gov.ph/wp-
content/uploads/2016/02/bfp-operational-
procedures-manual.pdf
ARSON
 ARSON
• Willful and
malicious burning of property for the
purpose of collecting insurance money, covering
up a crime, destroying physical property or
documents, or as a threat or act of vengeance or
hatred.
• The crime of maliciously and intentionally, or
reckless, starting a fire or causing an explosion.
• It comes from the greek word “ARSIO” meaning to
burn.
 INVESTIGATION

• An art that deals with the identity and

location of the offender and provides
evidence of his guilt in criminal
proceedings.
What constitute Arson?

• Burning – to constitute burning,

pyrolysis must take place. In other
words, there must be burning or
changing, i.e. the fiber of the wood must
be destroyed, its identity changed.
What constitute Arson?
• Willfulness – means intentional and implies that
the act was done purposely and intentionally.
• Malice – denotes hatred or ill will or a desire for
revenge; deliberate intention of doing unjustified
harm for the satisfaction of doing it.
• Motive – the moving cause which induces the
commission of a crime; something that leads or
influences a person to do something.
• Intent – the purpose or design with which the act
is done and involves the will; an essential element
of crime, motive is not.
CORPUS DELICTI – body of the crime, the fact that
crime was committed. It must be shown by the
following:
Burning – that there was fire which may be shown by
direct testimony of complainant, firemen responding
to the crime, other eyewitnesses. Burned parts of the
building may also indicate location.
Criminal design – must show that it was willfully and
intentionally done. The presence of the incendiary
devices, flammables such as gasoline, kerosene, may
indicate that the fire was not accidental.
Evidence of Intent – when valuables were removed
before the fire, ill feeling between the accused and the
occupants of the building burned, absence of effort to
put out the fire and such other indicators.
 TECHNIQUES AND FACTORS
CONSIDERED IN DETERMINING THE
POINT OF ORIGIN
Techniques and factors considered in
determining the point of origin

• Firemen, occupant’s passersby and other

who arrived at the fire scene during the
early stages of the fire may provide
information relating to the location of the
fire in its early stages.
 Techniques and factors considered in
determining the point of origin
• The obvious presence of “trailers” multiple
separate fires, incendiary devices and other
suspicious articles may immediately reveal the
origin and cause of the fire, especially in those
instances when an attempted arson has failed
because the fire was rapidly extinguished or it
“burned out” because the arsonist failed to
properly ventilate it.
 KINDS OF FIRE PATTERNS

• Linesor Areas of Demarcation – These are

borders defining the differences in certain heat
and smoke effects of the fire upon various
materials. They appear between the affected
area and adjacent unaffected or less affected
area.
• Line of demarcation. The line that is the
border between two different fire
effects on a material. One example is a
line of demarcation on a wall with
smoke staining above and none below.
This line shows the height of the smoke
layer in the room.
Classic “V”
“Inverted Cone” on an Object
“Inverted Cone”