The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) on Monday said it recorded 236 fires nationwide during the observance of Holy Week, from April 3 to April 9.
In a statement, BFP said this is 22.45 percent higher as compared to last year with 183 fires recorded.
Of the 236 fire incidents, 139 occurred in houses and buildings while 85 are non-structural such as grassfires, electrical posts, and rubbish and 12 were vehicular fires.
According to the fire bureau, lighted cigarette butts and electrical ignition caused by arcing and lose connections, are among the primary causes of fire incidents.
Meanwhile, the BFP noted that the hot temperature this dry season "continues to be a cause for concern for the marked increase in incidents."
"More power consumption from air conditioning and refrigeration puts more load in power lines, and can potentially be dangerous for substandard electrical connections, according to Senior Superintendent Manuel G Golino, Director for Fire Safety Enforcement," it said.
The fire bureau advised the public to ask licensed professionals to check their electrical installations and know a load of their appliances to avoid overloading.
It also asked the public to immediately repair damaged appliances and properly discard cigarette butts.
"The fire bureau continues to conduct regular fire safety inspections in business establishments. Its flagship program for fire prevention, Oplan Ligtas na Pamayanan, conducts hazard mapping, forms fire safety partnerships with businesses and industries and empowers the barangays thru the formation of Community Fire Auxiliary Groups," the BFP further said.
