Smoking top cause of fire incidents in 2024 so far –BFP

Smoking is the leading cause of fire incidents in the country this year so far, according to the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) on Friday.

Based on BFP data, there were 190 fire incidents caused by lighted cigarettes, cigars, and pipes from January 1 to March 1.

Other top causes of fire incidents include open flame from cooking involving LPGs, gas stoves, and firewood with 155 cases; electrical ignition due to arcing with 144; electrical ignition due to loose connection with 97; and electrical ignition due to overloading with 62.

A total of 3,034 fire incidents have been reported from January 1 to March 1, or 5.1% higher compared to the 2,888 recorded in the same period last year, according to the BFP.

Sixty-nine people were killed and 213 others were injured, which were also higher compared to the 2023 record.

Most of the fire incidents were in residential areas, the BFP said.

Majority of the fire incidents were accidental with 1,698 cases, it added, while 20 were intentional. Meanwhile, 1,259 are still under investigation.

To improve fire prevention and response, BFP spokesperson Fire Superintendent Annalee Carbajal-Atienza said the bureau keeps on purchasing new equipment and recruiting additional personnel.

“Ongoing [and] continuous procurement po tayo relating to BFP Modernization Program, Republic Act No. 11589, as well as recruitment and refresher training of personnel in the operations,” she told GMA News Online in a message.

“Fire prevention pa rin po emphasis ng agency to minimize the fire incident especially now with the extremely hot weather that contributes greatly in the fast spread of fires,” she added.

The BFP will hold a kick-off ceremony for the Fire Prevention Month at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila on Friday afternoon.  —KBK, GMA Integrated News