Fire Preparedness and Incident Challenges: A Qualitative Study of Barangay Responses in Plaridel and Guiguinto, Bulacan

Abstract

This study assessed the gap between barangay fire preparedness measures and the actual response encountered during fire incidents in Bulacan. It aimed to determine how barangays organize and implement fire safety measures, identify the main causes of fire, examine the effects experienced when fire safety protocols are tested, and evaluate how preparedness helps address operational difficulties. The study employed a qualitative research design using semi structured interviews with barangay personnel from Barangay Sto. Niño in the Municipality of Plaridel and Barangay Sta. Cruz in the Municipality of Guiguinto, Bulacan. The study was anchored on Fire Dynamics by the National Institute of Standards and Technology, McClelland’s Theory of Competencies at Work by Esen Şen, and the Climate Change Vulnerability Risk Model by Sining C. Cuevas.

Findings revealed that barangays establish their fire preparedness programs through scheduled activities, which they coordinate with the Bureau of Fire Protection together with ongoing training activities including regular trainings, drills, and seminars. The implementation of these measures resulted in improved staff skills and better operational coordination which enabled improved emergency response to incidents. Recurring fire causes were primarily electrical wiring issues and grassfires, indicating persistent household and environmental vulnerabilities. When protocols were tested during actual fire incidents, barangays experienced coordination challenges, limited communication systems, and insufficient equipment. Despite these constraints, trained personnel demonstrated improved response behavior and clearer role execution. The study concludes that while basic preparedness systems exist in the barangays, operational challenges remain due to limited resources and communication systems. Improvements in equipment distribution and communication systems are needed to strengthen barangay fire resilience.