THE DAVAO City Fire District (DCFD) reported 111 incidents in the first two months of the year, reflecting a 6.30% increase against the same period in 2024.
Non-residential fires increased from 14 to 20, indicating a lack of stricter compliance with fire safety regulations such as proper electrical maintenance and proper fire exits in commercial and industrial buildings.
To note, the fire that broke out at Davao Wanshida Inc warehouse in Barangay Ilang on January 14, claimed 2 lives after being trapped inside the big storage facility of playmats. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Electrical-related ignition remains the top cause of fire incidents, including loose connections in 21 cases and arcing in 18 cases.
Open flames from rubbish fire logged 15, while open flames from cooking (LPG, gas stove, firewood) and fire from lighted cigarettes were at 6 cases each.
Fifteen incidents are still under investigation as to the cause of the fire.
However, according to the comparative report, residential fires decreased by 30.3%, from 43 in 2024 to 33 in 2025.
During the iSpeak media forum on Thursday, Feb. 27, Frances Marie S. Sendrijas, DCFD Public Information Unit chief, attributed the decline to regular electrical inspections, fire drills, and awareness campaigns.
“Continuous ang fire safety activities natin when it comes to barangays through Oplan Ligtas na Pamayanan of Bureau of Fire Protection, and raise awareness in the community,” Sendrijas said.
On the other hand, fatalities remained at three but the number of injured individuals skyrocketed to 86% from two in 2024 to 15 in 2025.
Sendrijas said the alarming surge of injuries can be attributed to the delayed evacuation, increase in exposure to hazardous conditions, and ineffective safety measures.
She added they have been continuously conducting fire hose mapping in various areas in the city especially the fire-prone barangays to shorten the speed of response and prevent loss of lives and property.
Fire hose mapping measures the length of the needed fire hoses to reach fire-prone and interior areas in areas that the trucks cannot penetrate.
The DCFD is working closely with the barangay and BFP to remove illegally parked vehicles hindering the escape route and evacuation of residents during fires.
