MANILA7xm, Philippines — More than 900 fire incidents have been recorded in December across the country, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) said. 

A total of 941 fire incidents have been recorded this month, Fire Senior Superintendent Annalee Atienza, the bureau's spokesperson, said in a Teleradyo interview on Tuesday, December 31.

The number of incidents was 32% lower than last year’s tally of 1,390 fire incidents nationwide.

“The number of fire-related incidents caused by firecrackers is lower this year compared to last year,” Atienza said in Filipino. 

Atienza attributed the fire-related incidents in December to open-flame cooking and electrical ignition. 

“Because of this, there’s cooking happening everywhere. Please don’t leave it unattended and ensure proper handling of LPG, gas stoves, and firewood,” Atienza said in Filipino.

For the New Year’s Eve celebrations, Atienza also said the BFP is prepared for possible fire incidents.

“We must always expect the worst. The BFP is ready and on standby, prepared for any requests or support our community may need,” Atienza said.

“All our logistical support is on standby. That’s why, at times, nearby municipalities close to the fire scene step in to augment the response efforts,” she added.

On Tuesday, Brigadier General Jean Fajardo, the national police spokesperson, said authorities have confiscated more than 520,000 illegal firecrackers as of December 30 with an estimated amount of P2.4 million.

In his resignation letter, Nograles said he was stepping down to return to Davao City where he hopes “to bring and apply the lessons I have learned in my tenure as the head of the Commission, as well as my two decades in government.” The decision to resign was difficult, he added.

Phivolcs Director Teresito Bacolcol said on Monday that people still need to exercise caution by using face masks to protect themselves from potentially inhaling volcanic ash7xm, fumes and gasses.

• 7xm
• December
• fire
• incidents
• drop