Abstract
This study evaluated the contribution of the Bureau of Fire Protection, through the Masbate City Fire Station, to community fire safety and local urban resilience in selected high-risk barangays of the City of Masbate. It assessed the station’s operational capability, determined the extent of implementation of fire safety programs and initiatives, identified challenges and barriers in high-risk urban areas, and proposed policy actions aligned with the fire safety and disaster risk reduction aspects of Sustainable Development Goal 11. The study employed a descriptive mixed methods research design using a case study approach. All twenty-two (22) personnel of the Masbate City Fire Station participated in both the survey and semi-structured interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, and weighted mean, while qualitative data were analyzed through thematic analysis. Fire incident records from 2024 and 2025 were also reviewed to support the findings. Results showed that the station had a very high level of operational capability, with an overall composite mean of 4.45, and its fire safety programs were fully implemented, with a composite mean of 4.85. However, qualitative findings and fire incident records revealed continuing challenges, including narrow roads, low-lying wires, traffic congestion, dense settlements, limited water supply, inadequate hydrant access, resource limitations, weak community participation, delayed reporting, and coordination gaps. The study concludes that the Masbate City Fire Station contributes to community fire safety and local urban resilience, but its efforts may be further strengthened through improved access planning, sustained resource support, community-based fire safety education, stronger enforcement, and coordinated action among the BFP, LGU, barangays, and partner agencies.