By JEN BAYLON

Bacolod City has witnessed a remarkable decrease in fire incidents during the first quarter of this year.

According to the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in Bacolod, only 42 fire incidents were reported from January to March, marking a substantial drop compared to the 109 cases recorded during the same period in 2024.

This represents a decrease of more than 160 percent.

The BFP-Bacolod listed 11 fire incidents in January, a significant 173 percent reduction from the 30 incidents recorded in the same month last year, data showed.

Sixteen fire incidents were recorded in February, down from 46 in the same month in 2024.

In March, 14 incidents were recorded, fewer than the 33 reported in March last year.

Data also revealed the total damage from fires in the city for the first three months was approximately P1.6 million, a stark contrast to the P22.8 million recorded during the same period in 2024.

Residential fires were the most common type, with 22 incidents reported.

The BFP continues to urge the public to remain vigilant about fire safety, especially during the hot season.

This decrease in fire incidents is a positive trend, and efforts to educate the public on fire prevention are ongoing.

The city’s proactive measures, including community engagement and improved response systems, are contributing to this reduction in fire incidents./JB, WDJ