Firecracker-related fire incidents decline during 2025 holidays — BFP
By Chito Chavez
(Bureau of Fire Protection)
The effective information drive and increased public awareness were major factors behind the significant decline in firecracker- and pyrotechnics-related fire incidents and property damage during the 2025 holiday season, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) said.
In a statement, the BFP said the improvement highlighted the impact of intensified and sustained safety campaigns conducted by the bureau and its partner agencies.
The BFP Directorate for Intelligence and Investigation (DII) reported that fire incidents dropped by 28 percent, from 39 cases in 2024 to 28 cases in 2025.
“Fire-related incidents somehow decreased. That’s a good sign that many are now adhering to the Iwas-Paputok campaign. But it has not yet reached zero, which is our goal,” BFP spokesperson Supt. Anthony Arroyo said in an interview.
The BFP said the most notable improvement was in the cost of damage to property. Losses dropped from P210.5 million in 2024 to P62.7 million in 2025. This represents a 70 percent decrease in financial losses.
The bureau also reported fewer fire-related casualties. Injuries fell by 33.33 percent while fatalities declined by 60 percent.
The BFP attributed this to the strong implementation of Oplan Paalala: Iwas Paputok and increased public cooperation.
As of January 2026, the BFP said only one fire incident had been recorded. The agency described the situation as a good start to the year.
Despite the improvements, the BFP urged the public to remain vigilant and prioritize safety.
“In case of emergency, call the nationwide emergency hotline 911 or your local fire station,” the BFP said.