Fire incidents rise 8% in early 2026 — BFP
RESIDENTS return to their homes to retrieve their belongings as firefighters continue to extinguish the fire in Brgy 655, Intramuros, Manila on Wednesday, February 25, 2026.
Photo by Yummie Dingding
Daily TribuneRESIDENTS return to their homes to retrieve their belongings as firefighters continue to extinguish the fire in Brgy 655, Intramuros, Manila on Wednesday, February 25, 2026.
Photo by Yummie Dingding
The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) on Saturday said fire incidents in the first two months of 2026 rose compared with the same period last year.
“From January 1 to February 28 this year, compared with last year, incidents slightly increased by 8 percent, which is why we continue to double our fire prevention campaigns,” BFP spokesperson Fire Superintendent Anthony Arroyo said in an interview with dZbb.
He reported 2,699 fire incidents so far this year, with single- and two-family dwellings accounting for most affected structures, totaling 1,407.
“[T]he majority of which occurred in residential areas,” he added, noting fires spread faster in congested neighborhoods.
Arroyo cited faulty electrical wiring, such as loose connections, and open flames as the leading causes, urging the public to have electrical systems inspected by licensed electricians.
He also reminded citizens to remain vigilant during the dry season as the country observes Fire Prevention Month this March.
On Saturday, Manila launched the observance with a motorcade led by the city’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Department.