IN the short span of only the first quarter of the year, Baguio City has already recorded 45 incidents of fire, according to Bureau of Fire Protection Senior Fire Officer 1 Lloyd Ashley Furigay.
Furigay said that 15 structural fires, seven vehicle fires, 11 grass fires, nine forest fires, two garbage fires, and one electrical post fire were logged from January to March of 2023.
He said the main reasons for the fires were: burning of garbage and dry leaves, cigarette butts, playing with lighters and match sticks, and bonfires.
The fires are rapidly approaching the entire number of fires for the whole of last year, where only 61 incidents of fire were recorded all year round.
According to Baguio City Fire Bureau (BCFB) Superintendent Marisol Odiver, private residences are especially at risk of fires as private residences are not required to secure a Fire Safety Inspection Certificate, unlike commercial establishments.
Furigay meanwhile reminded the people to avoid octopus wirings, to always check the electrical system of their homes, pull out appliances that are not used, and avoid leaving food that is cooking unattended.
