BFP reports 34.4-percent hike in fires nationwide

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 — The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) is intensifying its information drive on preventing fires after a 34.4 percent increase in cases nationwide in the first six months of 2024, its spokesperson said on Monday.

On the government television program “Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon,” Fire Senior Supt. Annalee Atienza said that most of the fires occurred in residential structures due to open flames from “rubbish fires” such as candles or gas lamps. Other top causes were cigarette smoking and open flames from vegetation.

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She added that high temperatures in recent weeks due to El Niño also contributed to more blazes.

“Based on our data, we have recorded 10,996 fire incidents from Jan. 1 to June 10, which is higher compared to the 8,182 incidents last year. So it is unfortunate that we have registered a 34.4-percent increase in fire incidents,” Atienza said.

She confirmed the Department of Budget and Management has released P2.88 billion for the BFP’s modernization program—“a big boost, especially [since] as of April 2024, there are 110 towns nationwide that still lack either a fire truck or a fire station.”

She said the BFP was working on allocating the money to these towns.