Philippines launches Fire Prevention Month campaign nationwide

by EventsFeatured News

Fire prevention month launched in the Philippines

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) has officially launched Fire Prevention Month in the Philippines with an assembly of more than 3,000 people and over 300 vehicles on March 1.

The Manila Bulletin reported that the event was led by BFP chief Director Jesus Fernandez.

The launch brought together BFP personnel, national government agencies, local and barangay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices, fire volunteers, fire brigades, private partners and non-government organisations.

The programme included a ceremonial signing of a “Wall of Support”.

Government and partner messages during the launch

Maria Liavel C. Badillo-Crisostomo, Assistant Secretary for Communications and External Affairs, represented Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla at the event.

Badillo-Crisostomo emphasised that fire safety depends on everyday decisions made at home, in workplaces and within communities, and stated that the public should not rely solely on the BFP as first responders.

She also urged the public to report incidents promptly and to remember the Unified 911 System as the direct emergency contact line.

Representatives from several sectors delivered messages of support, including Engr. Liza B. Silerio of SM Supermalls, Pasay City Mayor Imelda “Emi” Calixto-Rubiano, PCCI President Ferdinand “Perry” Ferrer and Deputy Chief PNP for Administration, Pol. Lt. Gen. Bernard M Banac.

The event concluded with a motorcade from the MOA Globe to Quezon Memorial Circle.

In a statement, the BFP said the month-long campaign aims to intensify public awareness on fire safety and reinforce a shared commitment to a fire-safe nation.

Philippines fire bureau reports rise in structural fires in CAR

by Featured NewsSafety

Philippines fire safety reminder and 2025 figures

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) of the Philippines has reported an increase in structural fire incidents in the Cordillera Administrative Region in 2025.

The Bureau said BFP – CAR recorded 207 structural fire incidents in 2025, six more than the 201 recorded in 2024.

The incidents led to three deaths and 24 injuries.

Recorded causes included open flame from cooking, electrical ignition caused by arcing, overheated home appliances, ignition of materials from ember or flying ember (alipato) and unattended candles.

Prevention and preparedness guidance shared by BFP – CAR

The BFP said it is continuing to engage communities on fire safety awareness through public guidance.

FSupt. Katherine Albino, BFP – CAR Regional Operations Division Chief and acting Information Officer, said: ” We want to emphasize the importance of prevention, preparedness and sense of responsibility.

“Fire safety starts with you, from each and every one of us.

“Preventing fire is not only the job of the firefighters, it begins with the daily choices we make at home, and at work and in our communities.”

The BFP said prevention tips include unplugging appliances when not in use, checking wirings and replacing frayed cords immediately, avoiding overloading outlets, safe cooking or not leaving cooking unattended, keeping candles away from flammable objects and not leaving them burning unattended.

The Bureau said preparedness steps include installing smoke alarms, planning escape routes, practising drills and knowing “Stop, Drop, Roll” for when clothes catch fire.

The BFP’s guidance links fire prevention steps with basic preparedness measures for households, workplaces and communities.

Davao City Fire District promotes fire safety with community roadshow

by EventsFeatured News

Fire prevention event draws over 1,200 participants

The Davao City Fire District conducted a two-day Fire Square Roadshow as part of National Fire Prevention Month.

The event, held on 15 and 16 March at SM Ecoland Davao Annex, was attended by more than 1,200 residents.

The activities focused on raising public awareness about fire prevention and preparedness.

Community engagement in fire safety education

The roadshow featured activities such as mini rappelling, earthquake and fire drills, displays of personal protective equipment (PPE) and firefighting gear, and a basic life support session.

Julie Dayaday, officer-in-charge of the City Social Welfare and Development Office, highlighted the importance of community involvement in fire prevention efforts.

She said: “A single fire can destroy homes, belongings, and books.

That’s why initiatives like the roadshow are crucial.”

Bureau of Fire Protection’s role in safety and preparedness

Dayaday also acknowledged the work of the Bureau of Fire Protection in educating and protecting the public.

She said: “Your work is often thankless, demanding, and incredibly challenging.

“You face danger head-on, frequently putting yourselves at risk to save others.”

The Davao City Fire District reaffirmed its commitment to fire safety education through ongoing initiatives, including visits to barangays under “Oplan Ligtas sa Pamayanan” and house-to-house inspections to identify fire hazards.

Call to action for fire safety awareness

The event concluded with a call for community vigilance and cooperation in fire prevention efforts.

Officials urged residents to remain proactive in maintaining fire safety and preparedness in their homes and communities.

Davao City Fire District promotes fire safety with community roadshow: Summary

The Davao City Fire District hosted a two-day Fire Square Roadshow at SM Ecoland Davao Annex on 15 and 16 March as part of National Fire Prevention Month.

More than 1,200 people attended the event, which aimed to raise fire safety awareness.

Activities included mini rappelling, earthquake and fire drills, PPE and firefighting equipment displays, and a basic life support session.

City Social Welfare and Development Office Officer-in-Charge Julie Dayaday highlighted the importance of community involvement in fire prevention.

The Davao City Fire District reiterated its commitment to fire safety through ongoing barangay visits under “Oplan Ligtas sa Pamayanan” and fire hazard inspections.

The event ended with a call for community vigilance and cooperation in fire prevention efforts.

Fire safety campaign in Davao includes house-to-house inspections

by Featured NewsProjectsSafety

Bureau of Fire Protection implements Oplan Ligtas Pamayanan

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Davao City Fire District is carrying out house-to-house inspections as part of Oplan Ligtas Pamayanan.

The initiative involves firefighters identifying fire hazards and educating residents on safety measures.

Fire Senior Inspector Shaira E. Borja, chief of the Davao City Fire District Intelligence and Investigation Section, said the program is being implemented in all fire stations nationwide: “It’s part of the program that every fire station, not just in Davao City but across the entire Philippines, will conduct house-to-house campaigns on fire safety and prevention.”

Electrical issues identified as leading fire cause

Borja stated that electrical problems remain the primary cause of residential fires.

She highlighted the importance of awareness and preventive measures in reducing fire risks.

BFP officials advise residents to check their electrical wiring regularly and ensure compliance with safety standards.

Fire safety is a shared responsibility

Borja noted that fire safety and prevention efforts are not the sole responsibility of the BFP.

She stressed the need for community participation, saying that public awareness and cooperation are essential in reducing fire incidents.

The program encourages residents to report fire hazards and implement safety practices at home.

Nationwide implementation of house-to-house inspections

The house-to-house fire safety campaign is part of a broader national initiative.

BFP fire stations across the Philippines are conducting similar outreach programs to improve public awareness and preparedness.

Officials urge residents to take proactive steps in fire prevention and follow safety guidelines provided by authorities.

Fire safety campaign in Davao includes house-to-house inspections: Summary

The Bureau of Fire Protection Davao City Fire District is conducting house-to-house fire safety inspections under the Oplan Ligtas Pamayanan program.

Firefighters are identifying hazards and educating residents on fire prevention.

Fire Senior Inspector Shaira E. Borja said the initiative is being carried out nationwide.

Electrical issues remain the leading cause of residential fires, with officials advising residents to inspect wiring and follow safety measures.

Borja emphasised that fire safety is a shared responsibility between the BFP, stakeholders, and the public.

Authorities encourage residents to participate in safety efforts and report fire risks in their communities.

Task Force El Niño orders inspection of fire safety in Philippines public health facilities

by Featured NewsSafety

Philippine government enhances fire safety in healthcare facilities

The Task Force El Niño, operating under the Philippine government, has mandated the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) to conduct thorough inspections to guarantee fire safety in all public health facilities, including hospitals.

This directive was issued during the task force’s fourth assembly, emphasizing the need for a secure environment for patients, healthcare professionals, and related workers.

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., chairperson of the presidential task force, articulated the urgency of minimizing fire-related risks in healthcare settings.

“Together, we must reduce the overall risk of fire-related incidents, accidents, and emergencies, most especially in all public hospitals and public health facilities,” Teodoro expressed.

Immediate action to bolster fire safety

In response, Police Captain Umar Aduca, representing the BFP, confirmed the immediate communication of Secretary Teodoro’s instructions to Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos.

Emphasizing the critical nature of fire safety, Aduca highlighted the overarching aim to shield the public from dangers and mitigate potential losses.

“We must protect individuals from harm and ensure their well-being. We must decrease the risk of property loss, destruction, and financial losses. We must reinvigorate the promotion of public safety,” said Aduca.

National commitment to disaster preparedness

The initiative aligns with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s directive earlier this year for the task force to devise a comprehensive disaster preparedness and rehabilitation plan addressing El Niño and La Niña phenomena.

This plan seeks to offer “systematic, holistic, and results-driven interventions” to assist the public in coping with and reducing the impacts of these climatic events.

28 killed in Philippines passenger ferry fire

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A fire on an inter-island passenger ferry in the southern Philippines on Wednesday night has resulted in the death of 28 people, including a 6-month-old infant, as confirmed by the coast guard on Thursday.

The cause of the fire that broke out on the ferry, off the island of Basilan, remains unknown, as many passengers were asleep in air-conditioned cabins on the lower deck.

According to Commodore Rejard Marfe, the coast guard chief in the southern Mindanao region, 10 people died of drowning, and 18 were discovered burned inside the cabin.

Conflicting reports have emerged regarding the number of passengers on the ferry, which was not overloaded. 230 people, including 35 crew members, were rescued by the coast guard.

The blaze was brought under control early on Thursday with the help of firefighters.

The Philippines has a poor record for maritime safety due to overcrowding, ageing ships, and inadequate safety measures, with at least seven people dying in May after a fire broke out on a high-speed Philippine ferry carrying 134 people.