GENERAL SANTOS CITY (PIA) — The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)-General Santos City has raised concerns over a possible increase in fire incidents, linking it to extreme weather conditions and increased electricity consumption.
Fire Officer 3 Lester John Muñez, information officer of BFP Gensan Station, speaking at the recent Kapihan sa PIA 12, emphasized that fluctuating power demand due to high temperatures has become a major fire hazard.
“Due to the extreme heat, we are experiencing fluctuations in our electricity demand, which is the primary cause of fires,” Muñez said.
He reported that General Santos City recorded 140 fire incidents in 2024, a notable increase from previous years. Of these, 54 were caused by open flames and cooking, while 38 were due to electrical faults.
The combination of extreme heat and electrical fluctuations has significantly raised fire risks, Muñez emphasized, prompting the BFP to intensify its fire prevention initiatives, especially in line with the celebration of March as Fire Prevention Month.
With unpredictable weather patterns and rising temperatures, BFP Gensan continues to urge the public to adopt fire safety measures, particularly in managing electrical consumption and ensuring fire prevention readiness at home and in workplaces, he said.
Apart from their fire prevention education campaign, BFP has also lined up several activities, including a Fire Square Road Show at SM City Gensan.
“This is not just about extinguishing fires. It also includes rescue operations, emergency medical services and other important duties of our firefighters,” Muñez explained.
BFP will also conduct an orientation on the hiring process for aspiring firefighters, discussions on common causes of fire and hands-on training sessions such as rappel tower simulations, essential rescue techniques, basic life support techniques and cardiopulmonary resuscitation. (SRP, PIA Sargen)
