'262 fires in first 19 days of March'

MANILA, Philippines - Fourteen people died, 23 were injured and property worth P56.5 million were damaged in 262 fires that broke out nationwide during the first 19 days of March, which is Fire Prevention Month, according to the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP).

Acting BFP director Chief Superintendent Rolando Bandilla said of the 262 fires, 113 occurred in Metro Manila where some P1.6-million worth of property was destroyed.

Twenty-four fires hit Northern Mindanao, which recorded the highest cost of damage at P16.9 million. Western Visayas reported 59 fires that damaged P5.122-million worth of property.

Central Luzon had 18 fires that caused P8.033 million in property damages, followed by Central Mindanao with 16 fires and damages worth P4.345 million.

Nine fires hit Calabarzon and P3.6-million worth of property was destroyed. Eastern Visayas reported six fires and P405,000 in property damage.

Central Visayas reported four fires and P2.906-million damage, while MIMAROPA and Bicol had two fires each. The Ilocos Region recorded three fires with P1.065 million in properties destroyed.

No fires occurred in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and Cordillera Administrative Region. – Cecille Suerte Felipe