The number of fire incidents in Davao Region has gone up in 2024, according to the Bureau of Fire Protection-Davao (BFP-11).

Based on data, fire incidents in Davao City alone reached more than 700 from January to October 15, 2024, which is 29 percent higher than the 557 incidents recorded in the same period in 2023.

According to the Davao City Fire District, most of the cases were residential fire and the leading causes include electrical ignition due to arching or misconnection, open flame, and unattended cooking.

BFP-11 admitted that its office lacks manpower with only over 2,000 personnel. The number of fire trucks is also not enough.

These problems must be addressed to intensify its campaign and response efforts.

“That is less than the ideal amount of fire officers needed to enforce the Fire Code…ang ating fire trucks kadalasan luma and other stations are dilapidated needed repair and budget is di po sapat those are the top 2 to be considered in ensuring fire safe nation,” BFP-11 Spokesperson, Fire Inspector Paul Jorge Barrozo, said.

However, the procurement of additional equipment is being processed and around 100 personnel will also be added.

Meanwhile, BFP-11 and the Davao City Fire District also warned personnel who allegedly received payments from establishments and business owners in exchange of fire safety certificates even without proper inspection.

“In the BFP, hindi naman po naming yun dine-deny… they really exist, those sa mga isolated cases, but we in the BFP, isa lang po yung masisiguro namin, we do not tolerate those kinds of problem within the BFP… as long as it is reported to us… if na find out po na really guilty, they will be facing charges,” Davao City Fire District Spokesperson, Senior Inspector Frances Sendurijas, said.

“The 8888 na hotline natin is open for reporting on such unscrupulous activities you can consult or report it to the regional office,” Barrozo added.