Two fire incidents that struck in separate areas in the Province of Iloilo afternoon on December 30, 2024 left behind over P300,000 in damages.

The first incident was reported in Barangay Poblacion Ilawod, Passi City where a house was gutted totally. 

The fire broke out reportedly at 4:30 p.m. and was put out by 5:14 p.m.

According to an initial assessment of the Passi City Fire Station, damages reached about P37,000.

As of posting time, investigation on what could have caused the fire is ongoing.

“Pero ang anggulo, nariyan tayo sa either sa electrical in nature or sa discarded na mga cigarette butts natin,” said FO3 Elvis Aguilar, investigator at the Passi City Fire Station.

Meanwhile, a fire destroyed a building in Barangay Baybay Norte, Miag-ao town.

Damages reached P264,000.

Based on the report of Miag-ao Fire Station, three establishments that rented space in the said building were destroyed.

These were a motorcycle shop, printing shop, and internet shop.

A store selling animal feeds was damaged partially.

Investigation is ongoing, as of posting time, to determine the part of the building where the fire had started and its cause.

“Under investigation pa siya. Hindi pa kami makapagbigay ng full nga statement dyan dahil babalik pa kami sa area at ma-conduct pa ng investigation,” FO2 John Mark Sencida, chief of the Intelligence and Investigation Unit of Miag-ao Fire Station.

Hours to New Year’s Eve, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) is on alert for possible fire incidents.

BFP has reminded the public to light up firecrackers at the designated area in the barangay, and make sure that the distance from residential areas is about 300 meters away.

 “Kun maaari, basain nila ang kanilang bubong, yan ay kung light materials, mga 2 (two) hours before the New Year or alas-dose mamaya upang kung matalsikan ng maliit [na] baga, hindi lalaki ang apoy,” according to Supt. Melanie Habawel, Iloilo City BFP fire marshal.

Habawel added that it is also important to clean the surroundings from trash, wilted leaves, and other objects that could catch fire easily.

Further, BFP reminds revelers to be vigilant always in order to celebrate a happy and safe New Year.