- BFP cites business compliance, public awareness as reasons for improved Q1 data
CLAIRE JOSEPH BUGOY/UM Intern
THE BUREAU of Fire Protection (BFP) Davao City reported a significant 51% decrease in total fire-related incidents from January to April 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.
According to BFP data, residential fires plummeted by 40% from 25 cases in 2024 to just 15 this year, while non-residential fires dropped by 36%, from 11 to seven cases.
Non-structural fires, which include grass fires and burning of rubbish, also saw a steep decline from 95 to 39. Only transport-related incidents saw a slight increase, from four to five.
During the Davao Peace and Security Press Corps Forum, FInsp. Russell Jake Marañon said,
“So all in all, a significant drop, a 51% katunga more than pa kantunga, 51% decrease sa atong datos sa first quarter sa fire incidents.
Marañon attributed the decline to strengthened community engagement, intensified fire safety education, and consistent implementation of programs like Oplan Ligtas na Pamayanan, which includes barangay-level inspections and information drives.
The increased compliance from business owners also contributed to the drop in non-residential cases, while strict enforcement against open burning may have reduced the occurrence of non-structural fires.
“Kani siya nagapakita nga kita collective efforts sa komunidad sa local government at sa atong city government ug sa BFP nga atong napababa ang datos sa sunog,” he added.
Moreover, to further strengthen the city’s fire department preparedness, the BFP welcomed four new fire trucks turned over by the city government just last week. These were deployed to key stations: Bangoy, Bucana SIR 4, Sasa, and Cabantian.
“Kami nalipay ani, actually, na boost amoang morale bilang firefighter nga dunay upat ka nadungag nga firetruck sa atoang kagamitan diri sa Davao City.” he added.
Alongside this, the city proposed seven new substations in Buda, Marilog, Baguio District, Paquibato, Buhangin, Ma-a, and Panacan. The City Engineer’s Office has already completed the survey and is processing the necessary papers. Currently, there are only 15 fire stations serving the city’s 182 barangays.
“Mas mapaspas ang atong pagresponde, mas dali pud nato mahatod ang education sa fire safety sa mga komunidad,” said Marañon.
With the improvement in equipment and expansion plans, BFP aims to sustain and even further lower fire incidents through proactive education, preparedness, and strong coordination with the local government and community.
Fire safety is part of Davao City’s culture of security. The Bureau of Fire Protection always reminds every Davaoeño that being careful starts at home.
“Gina enganyo nako ang mga katawhan sa Davao City nga kita mag igmat para maiwasan nato ang sunog kay kung adunay sunog, worse comes to worse, aduna juy loss sa kanabuhi dili lamang mga kabutangan nato, but loss of kinabuhi kana atong gina iwasan,” he added.
