Local government units (LGUs) have been urged to continue fire prevention awareness campaigns to ensure community and household safety.
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian made the call as the summer season approaches, when fire incidents typically rise.
“As the summer season draws near, it is important for us to take precautions to prevent incidents that may lead to fires,” Gatchalian said.
He recently visited Barangay Lamian in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi, where a fire affected more than 1,400 families and caused P17.5 million in property damage and P18 million in public infrastructure losses. He distributed 300 sacks of rice to affected families.
The senator said many fires can be prevented by avoiding overloaded electrical circuits, stopping illegal power connections, and ensuring proper handling of liquefied petroleum gas.
The Bureau of Fire Protection recorded over 3,200 fires nationwide in 2024, a 26% increase from 2023, resulting in 74 deaths.
