Smoking top cause of fire incidents in 2024 so far —BFP

Smoking is the leading cause of fire incidents in the country this year so far, according to the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) on Friday.

Based on BFP data, there were 191 fire incidents caused by lighted cigarettes, cigars, and pipes from January 1 to March 1.

Other top causes of fire incidents include open flame from cooking involving liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), gas stoves, and firewood with 155 cases; electrical ignition due to arcing with 144; electrical ignition due to loose connection with 98; and electrical ignition due to overloading with 62.

A total of 3,044 fire incidents have been reported from January 1 to March 1, or 25.6% higher compared to the 2,424 recorded in the same period last year, according to the BFP.

Sixty-nine people were killed and 213 others were injured, which were also higher compared to the 2023 record.

Most of the fire incidents were in residential areas, the BFP said.

Majority of the fire incidents were accidental with 1,704 cases, it added, while 20 were intentional. Meanwhile, 1,263 are still under investigation.

To improve fire prevention and response, BFP spokesperson Fire Superintendent Annalee Carbajal-Atienza said the bureau keeps on purchasing new equipment and recruiting additional personnel.

“Ongoing [and] continuous procurement po tayo relating to BFP Modernization Program, Republic Act No. 11589, as well as recruitment and refresher training of personnel in the operations,” she told GMA News Online in a message.

“Fire prevention pa rin po emphasis ng agency to minimize the fire incident especially now with the extremely hot weather that contributes greatly in the fast spread of fires,” she added.

The BFP will hold a kick-off ceremony for the Fire Prevention Month at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila on Friday afternoon.  

During the event, the BFP will also launch the First Aid Service Team (BFP- FAST)—a response team of nurses on motorcycles, Atienza said in a Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon interview.

Advanced equipment for fire prevention and response will also be exhibited.

Motorcades with loud sirens will be conducted in different areas across the country to improve the awareness of the public on fire prevention, she added.

In the following days of the Fire Prevention Month, the BFP will hold road shows, tour for mascot Berong, and engagements in malls, barangay governments, among others.

Currently, Atienza there are still 123 municipalities that do not have their own fire trucks and stations. The BFP is planning to fill this gap with its modernization program. — KBK/VDV/RSJ, GMA Integrated News