The deafening siren of fire trucks again competed with the din of firecrackers when Metro Manila welcomed 2007. But the number of fires decreased by almost 60 percent compared with the previous year’s celebration. Data from the Bureau of Fire Protection-National Capital Region show that 23 fires struck the metro during early Monday’s revelry. In the 2006 celebration, BFP recorded 56 fire incidents. Still, the number of structural fires or those affecting residential, commercial or institutional establishments increased by 46 percent – from 13 in 2006 to 19 this year. Four of these incidents were believed to be caused by unattended or mishandled firecrackers. Within 24 hours, about P1 million worth of property went up in smoke.
Number of Fire Incidents by Type Source: BFP – NCR | Nature | Number of Incidents |
| Structural | 19 |
| Vehicular | 1 |
| Electrical | 1 |
| Rubbish | 2 |
| Total | 23 |
2007 NEW YEAR FIRE INCIDENTS Source: BFP-NCR 
Mapping the 23 fire incidents, News Research found a clustering in three areas: Binondo, Manila - 2 Sta. Mesa, Manila - 2 Guadalupe Nuevo, Makati City - 3
AREAS WITH CLUSTERS OF FIRE INCIDENTS DURING THE 2007 NEW YEAR CELEBRATION Source: BFP – NCR 
Comparing the 2007 and 2006 New Year fire incidents, Guadalupe Nuevo again emerged in areas with clustering. It had two fires last year.
AREAS WITH CLUSTERS OF FIRE INCIDENTS DURING THE 2007 & 2006 NEW YEAR CELEBRATION Source: BFP – NCR 
Other areas with a cluster of fires both in the 2007 and 2006 New Year celebrations are Tondo and Paco, both in Manila. Tondo district is on BFP’s list of fire-prone areas since 2004. Three fire incidents marked its 2006 New Year celebration. Two years ago, also while welcoming the New Year, six fire incidents took place in the district. Areas where clustering was monitored fit BFP’S description of fire-prone areas: crowded spaces with houses made up of light and semi-concrete materials.
(With Brenda Barrientos) 
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