BFP: Most fires caused by “electrical misuse”

CEBU, Philippines -  The Bureau of Fire Protection reported that most of the major fire incidents in Cebu City this year were caused by electrical misuse.

Senior Fire Officer 3 Roylin Maratas, officer-in-charge of the investigation section of the Cebu City Fire Department, said there were 12 major fire incidents in the city from January until August.

Maratas said that eight of these major fire incidents were caused by electrical misuse while the four others were due to open flames from kerosene lamps, matchsticks, and lighted candles.

The top 12 fire incidents in Cebu City since January until August happened in Osmeña Boulevard in Barangay Santa Cruz; Blessed Sacrament, Villagonzalo 2, Tejero; Palma St. Barangay San Roque; Sitio Lofranco, Barangay Guadalupe; Englis V. Rama; Abellana Street Barangay Suba; J. Panis Street, Kasambagan; Junquera Street, Barangay San Antonio; Barangay Lorega; Sitio Lahing-lahing, Barangay Mabolo; Riverside Panganiban, Pahina, Central; and Warwick Barracks, Ermita.

Maratas said they have also recorded two arson cases since January. One of the suspect was already charged while the other could not be prosecuted anymore because he died because of severe burn injury.

Maratas said Orlando Mendoza, who is accused of starting a fire in Sitio Little Pasil, Barangay Kamputhaw on September 17, is now facing criminal complaint before the city prosecutor’s office.

Abel Ablaza who allegedly burned a house he previously rented in Barangay Guadalupe died last week. Ablaza got himself severely injured while setting the house on fire.

Maratas explained that the common reason of electrical misuse is the over occupancy of a household, which the fire department called as “converted occupancy.”

He said “converted occupancy” happens when a certain household is supposed to be occupied only by one family but more families are using it.

“There is converted occupancy kung usa lang ka pamilya ang designed nga mupuyo sa usa ka balay. Tungod kay naa man ta sa syudad, mudaghan ang pamilya nga mupuyo sa balay ang load sa kuryente nga ila gigamit kay taas,” Maratas said.

Illegal electric connection is also a factor contributing fire. — (FREEMAN)