The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) recorded a total of 800 fire incidents from Dec. 1 to 26 this year, which is 33. 6 percent lower compared to the 1,204 cases logged during the same period in 2023.
In its latest report, the BFP noted that this year’s fire incidents resulted in P234,505,106.40 damage to property, down by 77.2 percent from the 2023 record of P1,027,916.787 over the same period.
The BFP occupancy report also indicated that 616 were structural, 104 were non-structural and 80 were vehicular.
During the latest fire incident records, the BFP reported a total of 29 civilian fatalities, 60 civilian injuries and seven injured BFP personnel.
The BFP recorded 21 fire incidents from “open flame from rubbish fire/bonfire to structural fire,” 24 fire incidents from “smoking/lighted cigarette, cigar or pipe,’’ 73 fire incidents from “electrical ignition caused by arcing,’’ 42 fire incidents due to “electrical ignition caused by loose connections’’ and 52 fire incidents caused by “open flame from cooking (liquified petroleum gas, gas stove, firewood).
Electrical arcing occurs when an electrical current jumps from one connection point to another, or between two conductors, through the air.
It can happen when there is a gap in the circuit, or when wiring is faulty, loose or deteriorated, causing a bright flash, a loud popping or cracking noise or sparks.
Under the classification of fire incidents, the BFP said that 422 were accidental, two were natural, three were incendiary/intentional, one remained undetermined, one was caused by negligence and 386 fire cases were still under investigation.
In the top occupancies category, the BFP stated that 422 were in the residential areas, 52 occurred in the mercantile locations and 20 incidents were recorded in the industrial places.