Senator Villar urges public vigilance amid rising fire incidents

Senator Cynthia Villar called for stronger public cooperation in preventing fire incidents, citing a concerning increase in cases in recent years.

Speaking at the 2025 Fire Prevention Month celebration on March 4 at the Villar Foundation Hall in Las Piñas City, Villar underscored the need for collective responsibility in fire safety.

This year’s Fire Prevention Month theme, “Sa Pag-iwas sa Sunog, Hindi ka Nag-iisa,” highlights shared accountability in reducing fire risks. Villar emphasized that preventing fires should not be left solely to firefighters, urging residents to take proactive measures.

"Rather than relying entirely on firefighters to put out fires, everyone must take responsibility to prevent them," she said.

To enhance fire preparedness, the Villar Foundation annually trains 700 fire volunteers in Las Piñas, equipping them with essential skills to assist during emergencies.

“We conduct this training every year to provide additional support to our fire stations when fires occur in the community,” Villar said.

She noted that March was declared Fire Prevention Month in 1966 under Proclamation No. 115-A, marking the start of the summer season when fire incidents historically spike.

"Statistics show that fire incidents in the country increase during March," she said.

Villar identified common causes of residential fires, including faulty wiring, overloaded electrical systems, unattended stoves, lit candles, discarded cigarette butts, and improperly stored flammable materials. She urged the public to conduct regular safety checks to minimize risks.

"We continuously remind people about the causes of fires and how to prevent them, especially this Fire Prevention Month," she added.

Demonstrating her commitment to fire safety, Villar highlighted that 10 of Las Piñas City's 11 fire stations were built through her family's efforts. She also announced funding for the upcoming Fire Department District 3 headquarters, which will oversee fire response operations in Pasay, Makati, Parañaque, Las Piñas, and Muntinlupa.

The event also featured fire safety lectures covering emergency drills, household fire hazards, and fire suppression techniques. Fire personnel conducted demonstrations on proper fire extinguishment methods.

Villar reiterated the importance of public vigilance and community involvement in fire prevention, urging residents to take an active role in safeguarding lives and property.