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YEAREND FIRE composite image from Inquirer files

MANILA, Philippines—As fireworks light up the skies during New Year celebrations, a darker trend has emerged on the ground: a significant rise in fires nationwide.

Data in the past five years from the Fire Arson Investigation Division (FAID) of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) revealed a worrying increase in both the number and causes of fires during the transition from New Year’s Eve to the first day of the year.

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From December 31, 2022, to January 1, 2023, the BFP recorded 104 fires

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nationwide. Fast forward to the same period this year, and that number skyrocketed to 161 — a 55 percent increase, highlighting a worrisome trend during a season typically marked by celebration and joy.

Yearend fires across the country

The BFP reported 27 fires in Metro Manila during the New Year period from December 31, 2023, to January 1, 2024. Of these, 19 occurred on New Year’s Eve, while eight broke out between midnight and 1 a.m. on January 1. The fires resulted in two fatalities and three injuries.

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Quezon City recorded the highest number of fires, with seven, followed by four in Manila, and three each in Malabon, Las Piñas, and Taguig. Pasig reported two fires, while Muntinlupa, Makati, Caloocan, and Parañaque each had one.

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READ: BFP: 27 yearend fires in Metro Manila; 2 dead, 3 injured

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GRAPHIC: Ed Lustan/INQUIRER.net

Outside Metro Manila, over P8.4 million worth of property was also destroyed when a fire engulfed a restaurant chain in Talisay City, southern Cebu, on the eve of New Year.

Two separate fires in Cebu City damaged a classroom and a residence. Both fires were believed to have been caused by firecrackers.

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A few days before the fire broke out, the Cebu City Fire Office (CCFO) said it was on high alert for New Year’s celebrations, anticipating an increased risk of fires, mainly due to firecrackers.

GRAPHIC: Ed Lustan/INQUIRER.net

This trend reflects a broader pattern seen in BFP’s annual fire data for 2023 and 2024. Electrical faults were responsible for the highest number of fires, with over 7,000 incidents recorded each year: 7,368 in 2023 and 7,437 in 2024.

The company, known for its trademark food storage containers, has been hit by dwindling sales in recent years.

The easing was due in part to lower gas prices, down 5.1 percent year-on-year after a 1.9 percent increase in July, Statistics Canada said in a statement.But prices of clothes and shoes also dropped month-on-month — a surprise for August when students in Canada are preparing to return to school, fueling demand and usually sending prices up.

However, open flames saw the sharpest rise, nearly doubling from 3,779 in 2023 to 6,567 in 2024, according to official data as of November. Smoking-related fires also saw a notable rise, increasing from 1,124 incidents in 2023 to 1,580 in 2024.

Staying safe amid the celebrations

During the holiday season each year, the BFP consistently advises the public to exercise caution and follow these preventive safety measures to prevent fires:

Never leave lighted candles or cooking food unattended. Avoid burning wrapping paper or trash in open flames. Regularly check for frayed wires and loose plugs. Refrain from overloading electrical systems. Unplug appliances before leaving home. Avoid smoking indoors. Check gas cylinders regularly.

READ: LIST: Safety tips to avoid electrical accidents during Christmas, New Year

In a television interview, BFP Spokesperson Fire Senior Superintendent Annalee Atienza urged the public to avoid using fireworks, particularly in residential areas, to prevent fires.

“That is the standing order of the DILG. We are encouraging local government units to pass ordinances that completely ban the use of firecrackers within residential areas,” Atienza said.

READ: BFP to public: Observe New Year’s Eve fire prevention measures

“Instead, the public is encouraged to join designated fireworks display areas where events, festivities, and countdowns are held,” she continued, adding that safer alternatives, such as torotot or party horns can be used as noise makers.

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In case of emergenciesmanilaplay, Atienza reminded the public to prioritize dialing 911 before taking vlogs or videos of fires or other emergencies.

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