Section 5December 19, 2008, Sec./Art. 5

Responsibility for the Enforcement of this Code. - This Code shall be administered and enforced by the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), under the direct supervision and control of the Chief of the Bureau of Fire Protection, through the hierarchy of organization as provided for in Chapter VI of Republic Act No. 6975. with the approval of the Secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the BFP, is hereby authorized to:

a. Issue implementing rules and regulations, and prescribe standards, schedules of fees/fire service charges and administrative penalties therefore as provided in the pertinent provisions of this Code;

b. Reorganize the BFP as may be necessary and appropriate;

c. Support and assist fire volunteers, practitioners and fire volunteer organizations in the country who shall undergo mandatory fire suppression, inspection, rescue, emergency medical services and related emergency response trainings and competency evaluations to be conducted by the BFP. In the case of the Fire practitiones, they shall undergo mandatory continuous professional education and competency evaluation of their expertise, knowledge and skills in the area of fire science, engineering and technology to be conducted by the BFP;

The BFP may enter into external party agreements for the conduct of training, education and evaluation of fire volunteers, practitioners and fire volunteer organizations, which shall be under the full control and supervision of the BFP: Provided, however, That during firefighting operations, fire volunteer organizations shall be under the direct operational control of the fire ground commanders of the BFP;

d. Enter into long term agreement, either through public biddings or negotiations in accordance with the provisions of Republic Act No. 9184, otherwise known as the Government Procurement Reform Act of 2003, for the acquisition of fire prevention, fire protection and fire fighting investigation, rescue, paramedics, hazardous material handling equipment, supplies, materials and related technical services necessary for the fire services;

e. Enter into Memoranda of Agreement with other departments, bureaus, agencies, offices and corporations of the government, as well as private institutions, in order to define areas of cooperation and coordination and delineate responsibility on fire prevention education, fire safety, fire prevention, fire suppression and other matters of common concern;

f. Call on the police, other law enforcement agencies, and local government assistance to render necessary assistance in the enforcement of this Code;

g. Designate a fire safety inspector through his/her duly authorized representative, who shall conduct an inspection of every building or structure within his area of responsibility at least once a year and every time the owner, administrator or occupant shall renew his/her business permit or permit to operate;

No occupancy permit, business or permit to operate shall be issued without securing a Fire Safety Inspection Certification (FSIC) from the Chief, BFP, or his/her duly authorized representative;

h. Inspect at reasonable time, any building, structure, installation or premises for dangerous or hazardous conditions or materials as set forth in this Code, provided that in case of single family dwelling, an inspection must be upon the consent of the occupant or upon lawful order from the proper court. The Chief, BFP or his/her duly authorized representative shall order the owner/occupant to remove hazardous materials and/or stop hazardous operation/process in accordance with the standards set by this Code or its implementing rules or regulations or other pertinent laws;

i. Where conditions exist and are deemed hazardous to life and property, to order the owner/occupant of any building or structure to summarily abate such hazardous conditions;

j. Require the building owner/occupant to submit plans and specifications, and other pertinent documents of said building to ensure compliance with applicable codes and standards; and

k. Issue a written notice to the owner and/or contractor to stop work on portion of any work due to absence, or in violation of approved plans and specifications, permit and/or clearance or certification as approved by the Chief, BFP or his/her duly authorized representative. The notice shall state the nature of the violation and no work shall be continued on that portion until the violation has been corrected.