ILOILO City – A series of fire incidents during the New Year’s Eve celebration from Dec. 31, 2023 to Jan. 1, 2024 kept the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in Western Visayas busy. It responded to 21 cases.
The breakdown of these incidents included 12 structural fires, eight fires in sugarcane fields, and one rubbish fire.
The structural fires predominantly affected residential areas, with seven reported in mostly shanty houses.
Additionally, three fires occurred in commercial establishments and two in special structures, such as a guard outpost and a Christmas tree.
Two of the structural fires were of significant scale. One major fire in Mambusao, Capiz, involved three business establishments, causing an estimated damage of about P752,500.
Another substantial fire in Lezo, Aklan, at a vulcanizing shop, resulted in damages exceeding half a million pesos.
BFP Region 6 director Chief Superintendent Jerry Candido said the fire bureau was especially busy during the 24-hour period of the New Year celebrations.
The causes of these fires are currently under investigation, and further details are awaited.
Candido also highlighted the challenges posed by fires in sugarcane fields and rubbish, often exacerbated by the hot weather and carelessness, such as discarding cigarette butts.
Fortunately, there were no reported injuries or casualties from these incidents, both among civilians and firefighters.
The BFP had aimed for a fire-free New Year celebration, but Candido acknowledged that completely avoiding fire incidents was challenging.
Compared to the previous year ‘s celebration in 2023, where no structural fires were recorded, only incidents involving rubbish, grass, and sugarcane fires were noted.
Candido emphasized the importance of community cooperation in preventing fire incidents.
The BFP-6 remains on high alert until Jan. 5, covering the “Three Kings” celebration, extending beyond the initially planned alert status that was supposed to end on Jan. 2. This proactive measure ensures readiness to respond swiftly to any fire incidents.
In preparation for any emergencies, fire marshals across city, provincial, and municipal levels were on duty from the night of Dec. 31, ensuring all precautionary measures were in place./PN