DILG probes fire truck refilling Taytay swimming pool

[Lee]

Quote

 

VIRAL photos of a fire truck that was allegedly used to refill a private swimming pool in Taytay, Rizal caught the attention of the Department of the Interior and Local Government who in turn ordered an immediate investigation.

In an urgent memorandum that was signed no less than by DILG Secretary Benhur Abalos Jr. on August 16, Friday, he instructed BFP chief Fire Director Louie Puracan was ordered to act “immediately” and investigate the incident to determine its validity.

 

He likewise asked Puracan to identify the BFP personnel involved in what he dubbed as an “unscrupulous” act.

“[I]f warranted, they should be relieved from their post pending the result of a formal investigation,” the letter read.

Abalos told Puracan to submit a progress report to Abalos’ office as soon as possible.

According to initial reports, the incident allegedly took place in Maharlika Village and was publicized in social media by a Facebook account named “Taytay Updates.” 

Various photos showed that the red fire truck was parked in front of a multi-level house and had a fire hose attached to the vehicle. It went all the way up to the third floor where the swimming pool is supposedly located. 

DILG probes fire truck refilling Taytay swimming pool (republicasiamedia.com)

 

 

[scott h]

27 minutes ago, Lee said:

ordered to act “immediately” and investigate the incident to determine its validity.

And that's the last we will hear about this 

[GeoffH]

Using volunteer group fire trucks to refill pools and water tanks is pretty common in rural Victoria (Australia).

Just pay the water fee (for the water from the standpipe) and make a donation to the local brigade.

 

[JJReyes]

Nothing wrong about using a fire truck during off hours.  It's a chance for underpaid fire fighters to earn a little extra money. 

[OnMyWay]

2 hours ago, GeoffH said:

Using volunteer group fire trucks to refill pools and water tanks is pretty common in rural Victoria (Australia).

Just pay the water fee (for the water from the standpipe) and make a donation to the local brigade.

 

Some fureigner just did this a month ago near me, but the FD used a hydrant out front.  It is just a small dipping pool he dropped in.  No big deal.  I assume somehow Subic Water got paid for the water but don't know for sure.

[Mike J]

Common in the US also.  Pool owners pay for the water and the fire trucks/equipment get used.  Equipment that may sit for awhile can have issues, seals, corrosion, leaks, etc. Better to find something that is not working while filling a pool than fighting a fire.  Also fireplugs have to be open and run every once in awhile anyway, filling a pool is better than wasting the water.  And leaves a good impression with tax payers.  All in all a win win for everyone.  

[Lee]

7 hours ago, Mike J said:

Pool owners pay for the water and the fire trucks/equipment get used.  Equipment that may sit for awhile can have issues, seals, corrosion, leaks, etc. Better to find something that is not working while filling a pool than fighting a fire

There are more practical and safer sites to test a fire truck for leaks, etc than the 3rd story pool of a local resident.

16 hours ago, JJReyes said:

It's a chance for underpaid fire fighters to earn a little extra money. 

Suppose a fire breaks out and a fire truck is unable to respond because a fire fighter wanting to earn a bit of cash is filling a swimming pool. Who is going to answer for any additional lives lost or property destroyed because the city was a fire truck short??? DILG Secretary Benhur Abalos Jr certainly doesn't want to.

IMO the tiny reward isn't worth the risk.

The local water company in town delivers water for a fee everyday to fill cisterns and pools. They are better suited for this work.

Edited August 19 by Lee

[hk blues]

17 hours ago, GeoffH said:

Using volunteer group fire trucks to refill pools and water tanks is pretty common in rural Victoria (Australia).

Just pay the water fee (for the water from the standpipe) and make a donation to the local brigade.

 

One of my ex-bosses in the UK used the local fire services to fill his swimming pool.  I have no idea if he paid for the water or not but knowing him I suspect not! 

[jimeve]

14 minutes ago, hk blues said:

I have no idea if he paid for the water or not but knowing him I suspect not! 

Was he Scottish too

[hk blues]

4 minutes ago, jimeve said:

Was he Scottish too