BFP: Fewer fires but higher death toll in first quarter of 2023

There have been fewer fires but more deaths and greater property damage in the first quarter of 2023 compared to the same period last year, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) said Monday.

According to the latest data from the BFP, 3,991 fire incidents were reported from January 1 to April 17, 2023—more than 10% lower than the 4,448 incidents monitored in the same period last year.

However, the death toll in the first quarter of 2023 is currently at 124 (121 civilians and three firefighters), compared to 87 (85 civilians and two firefighters) in the first quarter of 2022.

The number of those injured by fire incidents in the first quarter of this year is 402, compared to 352 in the first quarter of 2022.

The damage to property caused by the fire incidents likewise ballooned by 834% year-on-year to P15,122,588,314 in the first quarter of 2023, from P1,619,206,831.

Smoking or lighting cigarettes is the top cause of blazes, the BFP said, followed by electrical ignition caused by arcing; electrical ignition caused by loose connection; and ignition caused by fireworks or pyrotechnics explosions.

Most fire incidents occur in residential areas, with 2,008 reports; there were 213 fires in mercantile areas and 132 in industrial areas.

The BFP said 2,626 of the reported fires are considered accidental; 64 are intentional; 53 are natural; 31 are undetermined; 20 are due to negligent acts; 1,757 are still under investigation. — Sundy Locus/BM, GMA Integrated News