Fewer fires recorded in Cebu City during this year’s Fire Prevention Month

Local

CEBU City recorded fewer fire incidents in this year's March, or during fire prevention month celebration, compared to previous years.

However, this year’s Fire Prevention Month proved deadlier, with fire-related fatalities rising to three.

Despite the decline in cases, financial losses remained high, underscoring persistent challenges in fire prevention and safety.

The Cebu City Fire Station (CCFS) reported 31 fire incidents in March, a drop from 39 in 2024 and 33 in 2023.

However, fire-related deaths increased to three, up from one in 2023 and none in 2024, while property damage for the month reached P10.7 million.

First-quarter stats

According to CCFS spokesperson Wendell Villanueva, the first quarter of 2025 saw a total of 86 fire incidents in Cebu City, with an estimated damage cost of P24.1 million.

January recorded 30 fire incidents, resulting in P6.18 million in damages, while February had 25 incidents with P7.16 million in losses. March saw the highest number of fires at 31 incidents, with damages reaching P10.79 million.

Villanueva reported that authorities recorded a total of six fatalities from January to March, with two in January, one in February, and three in March.

Nine individuals sustained injuries within the same period. Most fires were structural, with 77 incidents categorized under this type, while nine were classified as non-structural. Notably, no arson cases were filed in the first quarter of the year.

Fire officials have repeatedly emphasized the importance of year-round fire prevention efforts, citing common causes such as faulty electrical wiring, overloading of appliances, and unattended cooking.

They have urged residents to take proactive steps in ensuring fire safety, such as regularly checking electrical connections and avoiding illegal power connections.

Siblings killed

One of the most devastating incidents occurred on March 29 in Barangay Mambaling, where a fire engulfed several homes, claiming the lives of three young siblings.

The victims, Sachna Lexy Siaboc, 6; Razan Kyle Siaboc, 3; and Athena Lexy Siaboc, 3, were trapped inside their house when the fire rapidly spread through the densely populated area.

At least 20 houses were destroyed, leaving multiple families homeless. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire and assessing the total damages.

Fire officials have stressed that quick detection and response are crucial in preventing casualties, particularly in areas where houses are built from light materials.

They continue to encourage residents to install fire exits and avoid overloading electrical circuits to reduce fire risks.

Series of fires recorded

Earlier in the month, on March 2, another massive fire broke out in Sitio Naba, Barangay Mambaling, devastating over 100 homes and displacing approximately 500 residents. Property damage was estimated at P1.5 million.

This was just one of several fires reported in the first week of March, emphasizing the recurring fire risks in the city’s urban settlements.

The CCFS also responded to multiple fire alarms throughout the month, with many incidents attributed to faulty electrical wiring, unattended cooking, and the illegal tapping of electricity.(MyTVCebu)