BY MA. THERESA LADIAO
ILOILO City – The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Region 6 recorded a total of 3,472 fire incidents across Western Visayas from January to December 2024.
These incidents left an estimated P747.3 million worth of damage to properties, the BFP-6 said.
Here is the breakdown of the fire incidents:
* Iloilo City and Province – 1,333
* Bacolod City and Negros Occidental – 1,227
* Antique – 313
* Capiz – 285
* Aklan – 179
* Guimaras – 135
Of the number, 1,166 were structural fires involving houses and buildings and 1,486 were non-structural fires, primarily grassfires during the summer months of March and April.
Additionally, 124 vehicle fires and 696 other types of fire incidents were recorded.
Meanwhile, the biggest financial losses were recorded in Iloilo City and Province amounting to over P403 million, followed by Negros Occidental with P173.5 million.
Other provinces reported the following losses: Aklan – P76.9 million, Capiz – P51.1 million, Antique – P40.9 million, and Guimaras – P1.7 million.
To address the alarming number of fire incidents, BFP-6 led by Fire Chief Supt. Felixberto Abrenica has intensified its fire safety campaign across communities and schools in the region. These efforts aim to educate the public on fire prevention measures and proper response during fire emergencies.
The BFP-6 also reminded residents to always remain vigilant and proactive in ensuring fire safety to reduce the risks and losses associated with such incidents./PN
