THE P747.3-million in property losses caused by fire incidents in Western Visayas in 2024 is a sobering reminder of the devastating economic and social consequences of fire disasters. From January to December 2024, a shocking 3,472 fires occurred in the region, with Iloilo Province and City bearing the brunt of the damage, reporting losses exceeding P403 million – that’s nearly half a billion pesos!
These figures demand urgent action from local governments. Fire prevention, response, and recovery must become priorities, not afterthoughts. The financial losses alone should compel local government units (LGUs) to reevaluate their budgets and allocate more resources to bolster fire safety infrastructure. Beyond the monetary impact, each fire incident represents disrupted lives, lost livelihoods, and fractured communities.
The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Region 6 has intensified its fire safety campaigns, which is admirable. However, the sheer scale of the problem requires a wide-ranging and multi-sectoral approach. LGUs must lead the charge by investing in modern firefighting equipment, expanding fire stations, and ensuring sufficient personnel to respond promptly to emergencies, especially in rural areas where response times are often delayed.
Equally important is the need to strengthen fire prevention programs. Grassfires, which surged during the dry season, and structural fires, which accounted for over 1,100 incidents, point to a need for targeted interventions. LGUs can mandate stricter enforcement of building codes, conduct regular inspections of high-risk establishments, and implement public awareness campaigns tailored to local vulnerabilities.
Recovery measures also deserve more attention. Victims of fire disasters often face prolonged displacement and financial hardship. LGUs should create emergency funds to assist affected families and help them rebuild their homes and lives. Support programs for small businesses affected by fire incidents can also mitigate the broader economic impact.
But fire safety is not just the government’s responsibility. Communities must also play their part. Public education campaigns can instill a culture of fire safety, emphasizing simple practices like properly maintaining electrical systems, avoiding open flames near flammable materials, and ensuring that every household has a fire extinguisher.
The cost of inaction is too high. The 2024 fire statistics in Western Visayas is a wake-up call to prioritize fire safety as a critical component of disaster preparedness. Investing in prevention and response today can save lives, properties, and resources tomorrow.
