BY JEN BAYLON
ILOILO – The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) saw a substantial rise in fire incidents in Western Visayas — from 1,311 in 2022 to 1,580 incidents as of September this year.
Total damages caused by these fire incidents amounted to an astounding P629,256,147.13 this year, a significant increase from the P196,717,019.55 recorded in 2022.
Data from BFP-6 further showed there were 964 structural fires, 484 non-structural fires, and 132 vehicular fires.
These incidents resulted in the loss of 12 lives and 69 others sustaining injuries, including three BFP personnel.
Structural fires mainly occur in residential, commercial or industrial buildings, and home fire casualties are usually those trapped inside, according to Fire Chief Superintendent Jerry Candido, BFP-6 director.
With this, he urged the practice of exit drills at home, teaching family members what to do and where to go in cases of fire.
Candido also reminded to unplug electrical appliances and devices when not in use and to always switch off the main valve of the liquefied petroleum gas tank after use.
If possible, install smoke or heat detectors and fire alarms, he added./PN
