Over 18,000 fires recorded in 2019 —BFP

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) said more than 18,000 fires were recorded in 2019, according to a report of Ivan Mayrina on GMA News’ Unang Balita on Monday.

Most of the incidents involved residential areas.

According to BFP spokesperson Senior Superintendent Geranndie Agonos, most of the incidents were electrical fires due to overloading.

“Number 1 na pinakamataas ‘yung electrical fire. Karaniwang sanhi ay overloading. Kapag ikaw ay nag-octopus connection ay 'yun ang nagiging resulta,” he said.

“Ang ikalawa ay ‘yung cigarette butt, ‘yung hindi dini-dispose nang maayos ang cigarette, may baga. ‘Yung ikatlo 'yung open flame gaya ng naiwang siga o naiwang sinaing,” he added.

To prevent and handle fire incidents well, Agonos advised the public to remember the acronym PADRE: prevention, awareness, detection, reaction, and evacuation.

“D - detection. Kung meron kang smoke detector na magbibigay sa 'yo ng alarma na mayroong sunog. R - reaction. Mag-isip ka anong gagawin. Do you have the opportunity to put out the fire? Kung kaya mo naman at walang risk sa iyong sarili, you can immediately put out the fire,” he said.

“Pero kung hindi, punta ka na du'n sa letter E - evacuation. Unahin mo ang kaligtasan ng iyong sarili,” he added.

This March, BFP observes the Fire Prevention Month with the theme: “Matuto Ka, Sunog, Iwasan Na.”

To kick off the Fire Prevention Month activities, 242 fire engines joined a parade on Sunday from Pasay City to Quezon City.

The BFP is hoping to set a new world record for the largest parade of fire engines. —Joviland Rita/KG, GMA News