MANILA — The Bureau of Fire Protection in Metro Manila will go on heightened alert starting December 19.

According to a GMA News report, the move is to address the possibility of more fires during the holidays. The heightened alert will last until at least the first week of January 2012.

The report said that during the said period, leaves of the BFP-NCR’s around 2,000 personnel will not be allowed. During this time, BFP teams will also go around Metro Manila to inspect fireworks factories and stalls.

Firefighters are wary of fires breaking out during the holidays, especially those caused by fireworks and overloaded electrical circuits.