The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) noted an 84 percent increase in fire cases in Davao City from January to September 2022 compared to last year.
Chief Inspector Christian Sena, Deputy Director of the Davao City Fire District, said in a press conference on Wednesday, October 12 that a total of 437 cases were recorded this year, while 293 cases were recorded in the same period last year.
The majority of these cases are caused by faulty electrical connections, followed by open flame, and lighted cigarette butt.
Sena, however, said damage costs reached P52.7 million for 2022. This is lower than the P131.06 million recorded damage cost last year.
“Actually, mas malaki ang (there is a huge) cost of damages last year kasi ang mga (because of the) types of occupancies include mercantile and industrial occupancies,” the fire official said.
He said they are intensifying their fire safety awareness campaign for the communities through the Oplan Ligtas na Pamayanan campaign. This time, he said they will be doing their campaign face-to-face as restrictions against Covid-19 had been relaxed.
“Right now, we are conducting extensive Oplan Ligtas na Pamayanan wherein we reach out to basic levels of the community for the matter,” Sena said.
The training includes basic fire safety tips, firefighting, and basic life support in case there would be injuries. RGL