BFP: 2025 Cordillera fires linked to electrical faults
MEMBERS of the Bureau of Fire Protection in Baguio City checks on the damage caused by the fire that hit a residential area due to an LPG tank flaring at a kitchen in the house. Fire out was declared within 14 minutes after the distress call was made.
Photographs courtesy of baguio city pio
BAGUIO CITY — Fire incidents in the Cordillera region increased in 2025, driven largely by residential blazes and accidents involving open flames, according to the Bureau of Fire Protection.
The agency recorded 207 fire incidents last year, up from 201 cases in 2024. Residential fires remained the most frequent type of emergency, accounting for 153 of the reports, while non-residential fires totaled 54.
These outbreaks resulted in three deaths and 24 injuries among civilians.
The BFP-CAR Regional Operations Division identified open flames from cooking — including gas stoves, firewood and liquefied petroleum gas — as the primary cause of fires, linked to 46 incidents.
Electrical ignition caused by arcing followed with 19 cases, while overheated home appliances were responsible for 16 blazes.
Rounding out the top five causes were the ignition of materials from flying embers with 14 cases and unattended lighted candles with 12 cases.
Fire officials said the data highlights a persistent need for vigilance in household safety, particularly regarding kitchen activities and the maintenance of electrical appliances, to prevent further casualties in the region.