BFP: Fires up by 13%

MANILA, Philippines — Fire incidents in the first two months of the year increased by nearly 13 percent compared to the same period last year, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) said yesterday.

There were 2,103 fires from January to March 1, which is higher by 12.88 percent compared to 1,863 incidents during the same period last year, BFP spokesperson Superintendent Annalee Carbajal-Atienza said.

Among the leading causes of fires are faulty electrical wiring, she said.

In an interview over dzBB, Atienza warned that with warmer days ahead, people could overuse electrical appliances.

At least three fires were recorded yesterday, the first day of Fire Prevention Month – two in Metro Manila and one in Western Visayas.

The BFP has yet to release a report if there were casualties in the three incidents.

Firefighters in Metro Manila held caravans yesterday morning as part of their month-long fire safety awareness campaign, which aims to reduce fire incidents in the country.