Fires Killed 16, Injured 49 in Central Visayas in 2014, Says BFP 7

Fires of various origin killed at least 16 people and injured 49 others, including four firefighters throughout Central Visayas last year, an official said.

Chief Inspector Vonrad Fernando Dobluis, BFP 7 Regional Operations Division head, said the BFP recorded 977 fires last year, compared with 959 in 2013.

At least 832 of them were classified as accidental and 116 are still being investigated.

At least 25 were intentional, Dubluis said.

The fires, based on the affidavits of loss of owners, caused at least P82.91 million in damage to property in 2014, he said.

Dobluis urged the public to be more cautious as the country marks the Fire Prevention Month, as the increasingly hot weather may spark fires.

Faulty electrical connections, including overloading, remain the most common cause of fires in the region, followed by unattended cooking.

Dobluis said the BFP 7 is also grateful for other fire brigades, such as the Cebu Filipino-Chinese Volunteers, in helping them respond to fire alarms in Cebu City and nearby cities and towns. (PNA) LAP/EB