BACOLOD City — The Bureau of Fire Protection – Negros Island Region (BFP-NIR) recorded a significant decline in fire incidents and property damage in 2025, attributing the improvement to intensified fire prevention campaigns across the region.
Fire Chief Supt. Rodolfo Denaga told the media on February 19 that fire incidents dropped from 1,700 cases in 2024 to 1,060 in 2025 — a decrease of about 40 percent.
Property damage also declined by 19 percent. In 2024, total fire losses reached P236 million, while in 2025, damages were reduced to P160 million.
Denaga said the decline reflects the effectiveness of the bureau’s sustained fire prevention efforts.
“One notable decrease was recorded in Bacolod City,” Denaga said, citing intensified interventions in identified “red zone” areas. He explained that fire personnel focused on preventive measures in high-risk communities and strengthened collaboration with stakeholders to mitigate fire hazards.
In line with the upcoming Fire Prevention Month, the bureau has lined up a series of activities aimed at raising public awareness and promoting fire safety.
The observance will kick off on March 1 with a motorcade, followed by the simultaneous blowing of horns to signal the start of the month-long campaign. Various fire awareness programs will be conducted throughout March.
Key initiatives include the “Bombero sa Paaralan” program, fire roadshows, and house-to-house fire safety campaigns designed to reach grassroots communities.
Denaga stressed that fire prevention efforts should not be limited to March but sustained throughout the year.
“I have directed all fire marshals to intensify their fire prevention campaigns. ‘Bombero sa Paaralan’ and our house-to-house fire safety inspections should continue beyond Fire Prevention Month. We must reach every sector and every household within our areas of responsibility,” he emphasized.
The bureau will also implement corporate social responsibility activities such as mangrove and tree planting, clean-up drives, Operation Tuli (free circumcision program), as well as a photo contest, quiz bee, and short film-making contest.
Denaga added that all fire marshals were given specific targets to ensure they reach the majority of the population within their respective jurisdictions — a strategy he believes will further reduce fire incidents in the region.
He reiterated that fire prevention must be a year-round effort to build a safer and more fire-conscious community./PN
