2 fires caused by firecrackers hit Manila, Marikina on Jan 1

The clock tower of the Manila City Hall on New Year’s Day 2025. —Photo from the Facebook. page of the Manila Public Information Office

MANILA, Philippines — Two fires caused by firecrackers hit Manila and Marikina during the New Year’s Day celebration on January 1, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) said on Thursday.

According to the BFP spokesperson, Fire Supt. Annalee Atienza, both fires originated from “ignition caused by firecracker explosion” of skyrockets — locally called “kwitis.”

READ: DOH: 534 firecracker-related injuries logged, so far

No one died or sustained injuries in both fires, according to the report.

In 2024, however, the BFP recorded 36 fires from January to December.

A fire last June 29 in the Zamboanga Peninsula (Region 9) resulted in the death of five people and injury of 24 individuals, it added.

Among the firecrackers that caused these fires were a triangle, five-star, kwitis, and candle bomb.

The data likewise showed that the cost of the damage totals P210,459,029.

From December 22, 2024, to January 2, 2025, the Department of Health (DOH) monitored 534 firecracker-related injuries — 9.8 percent lower compared to the 592 cases logged during the same period last year.

The DOH said most of the injuries were caused by illegal firecrackers such as kwitis, boga, 5-star, and whistle bombs.