FILE PHOTO: Fire incident at Sitio Maliwanag (C5 Northbound), Western Bicutan, Taguig City, involving a residential area. (Photo from BFP Taguig City Fire Station)
MANILA, Philippines — As many as 3,044 fire incidents have been recorded in 2024 so far, according to Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) spokesperson Annalee Atienza on Friday, with cigarettes blamed for most of the blaze.
Amid the worrisome statistics, Atienza appealed to the public to take necessary measures to prevent fires.
Compared to the fire rates across the country from January to March last year, Atienza noted an increase in fire incidents in 2024 within the same timeframe.
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“Mayroon na pong 3,044 simula nung January 1 to March 1 sa mga oras na ito. Kumpara po sa nakaraang taong, 2,424, so nasa 25.6 percent and tinaas,” said Atienza on the Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon public briefing.
(We have 3,044 fire incidents from January to March 1. Compared to last year, there were 2,424 cases, so the increase is around 25.6 percent.)
Most of these fires are residential, said Atienza, and the leading causes of fires are cigarettes, open-flame cooking, and electrical ignition.
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The BFP spokesperson urged the public to be more vigilant and conscious of their surroundings.
“Kailangan po concerted efforts, bayanihan talaga. Hindi po kaya ng Bureau of Fire Protection agency lamang,” said Atienza.
(Concerted efforts are needed, and heroism. The Bureau of Fire Protection agency cannot do it alone.)
March marks the country’s Fire Prevention Month, as per the proclamation of late dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr. back in 1966.