The month of March marks the beginning of summertime in the Philippines. However, in connection with the warm and dry climate during the season, authorities are also expecting a higher number of fire incidents in the country, particularly in residential areas. Hence, every year, the Philippines is observing March as the Fire Prevention Month by the virtue of Presidential Proclamation No. 115-A which was signed by President Ferdinand Marcos in 1966.

Each year, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) records several fire incidents in the country. According to the four-year statistics released by BFP, the country registered a total of 40,696 fire incidents from 2010 to 2013; 16,783 of these or equivalent to 41.2% happened in residential areas. Undoubtedly, these fire incidents claimed lives and caused substantial damages to property. During the same four-year period, fire casualties reached a total of 3,864 individuals and more than P17-billion (P17,137,656,893) worth of property damages.

Sadly, in spite of the situation, the country is lacking in terms of fire fighting resources and force. In 2012, the country had only 16,252 fire fighters amid the total population of 95,771,064 or equivalent to a ratio of 1:5,893. Hence, it is indeed a responsibility of each of us to implement measures that foster safety and fire prevention, whether you are living in a condominium unit or a house and lot setup. In this article, we have identified the five common causes of fire in residential areas and some ways on how to prevent them.

Residents and tenants should also participate in fire drills held by the authorities. Equip homes with smoke alarms, sprinklers, fire extinguishers and fire exits, and make sure that everyone in the household knows the emergency phone numbers. In case of a fire incident, call the Bureau of Fire Protection at 729-5166 / 410-6254 / 431-8859 / 407-1230.