Fire incidents increased 34.4 percent from January to June 10, 2024, as they mostly occurred in residential areas, according to the latest data from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP).
MANILA, Philippines — Fire incidents increased 34.4 percent from January to June 10 this year, as they mostly occurred in residential areas, authorities said.
Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) spokesperson Fire Senior Superintendent Annalee Atienza said 10,996 fire incidents were logged during the period – higher than the 8,182 recorded in the same period last year.
“Ito po ay nationwide at majority po sa mga sunog na ito ay residential occupancies at caused by open flame from rubbish fire, sinundan po ng smoking at pumapangatlo ang open flame pa rin from agricultural and clearing operations,” Atienza said during the Bagong Pilipinas briefing Monday.
(This is nationwide, and the majority of these fires are residential occupancies and caused by open flame from rubbish fire, followed by smoking, and the third is still open flame from agricultural and clearing operations.)
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The El Niño phenomenon caused extreme heat and drought in the country since July 2023. The prolonged dry spell due to El Niño left many areas susceptible to fires, which could be a contributing factor to the increase in fire incidents.
The state weather agency said the El Niño has ended in the country and announced the onset of the wet or rainy season on May 29.
READ: What looming La Niña means for global temperatures
But the BFP reminded the public that there is still the risk of fire even during the wet season.
“Patuloy pa rin po ang electrical causes of fire dahil nga po itong pag-uulan ay maaari pa rin pong maging sanhi ng pagkakaroon po ng sunog,” Atienza noted.
(Risk of fire due to electrical causes remains; this rain can still cause a fire.)
Atienza said the BFP will continue to raise awareness on fire prevention and other disasters during the rainy season.