30 Metro Manila fires in first 11 days of 2024

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Fire Protection recorded at least 30 fires in Metro Manila during the first 11 days of 2024, a BFP official said yesterday.

In a radio interview, BFP spokesperson Fire Supt. Annalee Carbajal-Atienza added that this was lower compared to the 86 fire incidents during the same period last year.

“There was a decline (in the number of fires) in the National Capital Region, but at least one casualty was recorded somewhere in Taguig,” she said.

Carbajal-Atienza added that the main cause of the fires was still electric ignition.

“A majority of the (fire) incidents (occurred) in the residential areas, that is why the agency focuses on how to strengthen the awareness of the community,” she added.

The BFP spokesperson said that as early as 2019, the bureau launched a house-to-house campaign to educate homeowners’ associations and barangays on the need to prevent fires.

“We need to strengthen our barangay fire brigade as they are our first responders,” she noted.

Carbajal-Atienza added that the hazard of fire is high ,especially in areas where houses are made from light materials.

“We need the support of the local government units to strengthen the response of the community,” she said.

According to Carbajal-Atienza, among the common causes of fire include overheating of appliances.

“We need to check on our electricity regularly and we encourage each household to have one fire extinguisher. We need to invest in our safety,” she said.

Carbajal-Atienza said fire prevention should be a year-round campaign and not just during the Fire Prevention Month in March.