BFP: Fire incidents lower compared to 2023 as of Christmas Eve

Fewer fire incidents have been recorded in the country this year as of Christmas Eve, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) said Tuesday.

BFP spokesperson Annalee Atienza said 724 fire incidents were monitored nationwide from December 1 to December 24, 2024—a decrease from 1,112 incidents reported during the same period in 2023.

“In these figures, makikita natin na mababa tayo sa insidente ngayong taon. This may be dahil sa puspusang fire safety education, fire prevention campaign ng ating ahensya,” Atienza told PTV’s Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon.

(These figures indicate a decrease in incidents this year, which could be attributed to our agency's intensive fire safety education and fire prevention campaigns.)

“Kasama na rin ang cooperation ng community at assistance ng local government units. Kaya masasabi natin na kahit may ganitong number, kailangan natin ipagpatuloy ang pakikibahagi sa mga programa ng BFP,” she said.

(This also includes the cooperation of the community and the assistance of local government units. However, we still need to continue participating in the programs of the BFP despite the decline in the incidents.)

The BFP likewise monitored 15 fire incidents related to firecrackers in 2024.  

“Malaking tulong na nagkaroon tayo ng pag-ban ng paggamit o pagpapaputok sa ating residential areas. Instead, nagdesignate ng community fireworks display areas,” Atienza said.

(The ban on the use or setting off of fireworks and designating community fireworks display areas was a great help.)

According to Atienza, the Fire Bureau activated “Oplan Paalala Iwas Paputok” to ensure public safety amid the holiday season. — Sundy Locus/VBL, GMA Integrated News