MANILA — The number of fire incidents in the Philippines declined by over 40 percent in the first few months of 2025 compared to the same period last year, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) said on Monday.

The BFP listed 2,442 fire incidents from January 1 to March 4 this year, which is lower than the 4,316 cases seen in the same period in 2024, said BFP spokesperson Annalee Atienza.

“Ang electrical causes ang nangunguna sa top causes of fire… lalo ngayong mainit ang panahon,” she told state television PTV.

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The official urged the public to take extra precaution when using electrical appliances, especially when these items are either worn out or damaged.

“Siguraduhin po natin na kapag ito ay may kalumaan na at may sira na… bumili na lang po tayo ng bago,” she said.

“Wag pagtiyagaan, tipirin, i-repair dahil mas malaki ang magagastos natin at ang pinakamasaklap, may nasasawi po sa ating pamilya,” she said.

Families should also regularly check wirings inside their homes as faulty lines could be fire hazards, Atienza said.

“Ipasuri ‘yung ating tahanan kung may katagalan na siyang na construct,” she said.

“‘Yung mga misis wag iniiwan ang nakaluto,” she added.

The BFP is pushing to procure fire trucks for 61 municipalities which lack fire stations and equipment, Atienza said.

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The bureau is also training barangay officials, who are the first responders during fires, she added.

The Philippines observes its fire prevention month every March and usually holds several fire prevention trainings during the month.