28% dip in firecracker-related fires during holidays—BFP

Firecracker-related fires this holiday season decreased by 28 percent this year, according to the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP).

BFP Public Information Service Chief Fire Superintendent Anthony Arroyo said that the cost of damages to property caused by fires also fell by 99.42% compared to 2024.

“Pagdating sa kahit yung staggering 99.42% decline ng involved damages from P60 million last year, naging P349,000 na lang ang total, resulting in a reduction of over P60.1 million in fire losses [for this year],” he said.

(When it comes to the staggering 99.42% decline in damages from P60 million last year, total losses this year amounted to only P349,000—a reduction of over P60.1 million.)

In a press conference on Monday at Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center (JRRMMC), Arroyo attributed the positive results to greater public discipline in preventing fire incidents this holiday season.

He also credited inter-agency cooperation for helping achieve the current numbers.

“Malaki po ang naging epekto ng inter-agency [cooperation] na ito. Hindi lang inter-agency kundi sama-sama lahat ng community. Maaasahan ninyo ang aming 100% partnership and support,” he added.

(This inter-agency cooperation has had a big impact. It’s not just government agencies, but the entire community working together. You can expect our 100% partnership and support.)

In November, the BFP noted a steady decrease in fire accidents caused by firecrackers and pyrotechnics since 2023.

Despite the lower numbers, the agency said recorded casualties and property damages still vary annually.

BFP activated its “Oplan Paalala” fire prevention program for the holiday season, which operates in three phases from December 1 to January 5.—MCG, GMA Integrated News