Fire Prevention Month: What are the leading causes of fires?

March is Fire Prevention Month, so it’s an ideal time for the public to be reminded of the importance of fire safety.

Fires continue to be a persistent threat, with incidents affecting communities from the very start of the year. For instance, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in the National Capital Region (NCR) reported nine fire incidents on the first day of 2025 alone.

As the dry season sets in and the risk of fires increases, the public is encouraged to take proactive steps to protect their homes, businesses, and communities.

Here are some of the common causes of fires that you can avoid:

Electric malfunctions

Even outside the dry season, electrical faults remain a common cause of fires, especially in homes built with substandard materials. 

These electrical mishaps can occur year-round, with overloaded circuits, faulty wiring, and improperly maintained electrical equipment being the primary culprits.

To prevent this, ensure that your electrical systems must be properly installed, maintained, and regularly inspected.

Unattended cooking

Fires can break out in kitchens due to stove or gas leaks if left unchecked, which commonly happens in spaces without proper ventilation. 

This hazard can be prevented if you never leave your stove unattended. Accordingly, it’s important to keep the area around your stove clear of any flammable objects and to always be vigilant when handling fire or cooking equipment. 

Improper disposal of cigarette butts

Yes, you’ve read that right! This small mistake can lead to significant and far-reaching consequences. 

Still-lit cigarette butts have been known to ignite dry grass or materials, particularly in rural areas.

So if you’re a regular smoker, be a responsible one. Always dispose of your cigarette butts in designated containers, and avoid smoking near flammable materials, especially outdoors.

Faulty appliances

Filipino homes usually keep appliances until they no longer work, however, damaged household items such as electrical fans, air conditioning units, or old appliances are often a fire risk. 

When these appliances are used beyond their lifespan or not properly maintained, they can easily overheat.

You should regularly inspect appliances, and replace faulty or old electrical items. Avoid using items that are already damaged.

As fire prevention requires not only awareness but also proactive measures, here are a few essential tips to help you stay safe:

Create a fire escape plan

In residential areas and establishments, it’s important to develop an evacuation plan in case a fire breaks out. Every person should know where the fire exits are and drills should be practiced regularly.

Clear fire hazards

This tip boils down to keeping your space clean and maintained. Combustibles, such as paper, cloth, and chemicals, should be placed far from heat sources

Additionally, garbage and dry leaves should be disposed of properly.

Install fire extinguishers 

Having a fire extinguisher in store is crucial for immediate response in case of a fire emergency. Everyone in the building or household should also be familiar with using it correctly through the PASS method — Pull, Aim, Squeeze, and Sweep.

Prepare important documents and things 

If you live in a fire-prone area, it’s crucial to be prepared not just with fire safety equipment but also by protecting your valuable belongings.

Important documents such as identification cards, birth certificates, and financial records should be stored in a fire-resistant bag that you can grab quickly in an emergency.