CEBU CITY –  The Cebu City Fire Office (CCFO) recorded at least 31 fire incidents last March, which is known as Fire Prevention Month.

The number of fires last month was higher compared to the same period last year with only 26, although fire damage was significantly lower this year, said SFO3 Wendell Villanueva, spokesperson of CCFO.

In March 2022, fire damage reached P53 million, while for March this year, fire damage was only P11 million.

“The lower amount of fire damage is an indication that our response time has improved. We were able to immediately respond and quickly put out fires,” said Villanueva.

Villanueva advised the public to be more careful in the coming days because of the extremely hot weather conditions.

“Because it's extremely hot, a little spark may cause a fire already so we are advising the public to be extra cautious,” said Villanueva.

The CCFO on Friday, March 31, held a program to end the Fire Prevention Month. The CCFO held various activities as highlights of this year’s Fire Prevention Month.

Activities included tree planting, bike-for-a-cause, fire simulation drills, and fire Olympics poster-making and essay contests.

Although the Fire Prevention Month has already ended, CCFO personnel will still be busy as they will be assisting other government agencies in emergency preparedness in the upcoming Holy Week.

“Our firemen, fire trucks will be visible in piers, terminals, and churches. We will be on standby so that when there are emergencies, we can immediately respond,” said Villanueva.