The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) announced Wednesday it is preparing its forces for the upcoming December festivities with the implementation of “Oplan Paalala: Iwas Paputok,” a nationwide campaign focused on reducing fire hazards and mobilizing emergency response.
The BFP will be on Full Alert from 23 December 2025 to 1 January 2026, with approximately 31,000 personnel on standby.
“As we are approaching these dates, the BFP will be conducting inspections in places of assembly, pre-fire planning, community information drive campaigns, and emergency medical services,” the agency said in a statement.
The BFP advised the public to be vigilant regarding the top causes of fire: electrical incidents, such as short circuits and overloading, and open flames from waste burning or cooking. Kitchen fires also tend to occur more often during the season.
It also highlighted a sharp rise in incidents caused by fireworks and pyrotechnics, which increased from 31 incidents in 2024 to a running total of 111 as of 3 December 2025.
The BFP recommends using LED Christmas lights that bear the Philippine Standard (PS) Quality and/or Safety Mark and Import Commodity Clearance (ICC).
While firecrackers and pyrotechnics are traditional, the BFP is working closely with local government units and the Philippine National Police to strictly enforce Executive Order 28, which regulates the use of legal firecrackers in designated Community Fireworks Display Areas only.
The BFP will be prepositioning its fire trucks and personnel near these areas as it strongly encouraged the public to avoid using firecrackers entirely.
“Our mission is clear: protect every community through proactive prevention, rapid response, and effective coordination,” said BFP Chief Fire Director Jesus P. Fernandez. “‘Oplan Paalala: Iwas Paputok’ ensures that all our units are fully prepared so that Filipino families can celebrate the season safely and without fear.”
In case of fire, medical, or other emergencies, the public is advised to call the Unified Emergency Hotline 911.