Mandaue reports fewer fires

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in Mandaue City reported a 12% decrease in fire incidents this year compared to the same period in 2025.

Mandaue Station Fire Chief Inspector Alvin Torion said that 22 fire incidents have been recorded as of May 2026, down from 25 incidents during the same period last year.

Torion attributed the decline to the intensified implementation of the Oplan Ligtas na Pamayanan program and other fire prevention activities conducted by the BFP.

He also noted that favorable weather conditions helped reduce the number of fire incidents.

“Kay fires man gud, aksidente na, it is beyond our control,” said Torion.

According to Torion, residential fires remain the most common type of fire incidents in Mandaue City. He emphasized the importance of educating the public about the factors that cause fires, particularly the presence of fuel, oxygen, heat, and a triggering chemical chain reaction.

To prevent fires, Torion advised residents to avoid overloading electrical circuits and to regularly inspect electrical appliances for loose or faulty connections.

“I-sige lang nato sila og educate ana and hopefully i-internalize nila,” said Torion.

The BFP has identified 10 fire-prone barangays in Mandaue City: Subangdaku, Banilad, Tipolo, Paknaan, Canduman, Tabok, Guizo, Maguikay, Alang-alang, and Pagsabungan.

Torion said the classification was based not only on the frequency of fire incidents but also on existing hazards in the communities, including narrow roads and limited access to water during emergencies.

Among the 10 barangays, the BFP selected Subangdaku, Alang-alang, and Guizo as pilot areas for the agency’s Oplan Ligtas na Pamayanan program.

Barangay-based firefighters have been assigned to these communities to monitor potential hazards and receive reports and complaints from residents.

Torion stressed the importance of empowering barangays in fire prevention efforts, noting that community members are often the first to respond when a fire breaks out.

In addition, the BFP continues to implement its Bayanihan Program, which identifies fire hazards in communities and trains residents on practical measures they can take to reduce risks and respond to emergencies.

As part of the initiative, households are invited to participate in fire safety training sessions, including basic firefighting and fire extinguisher operations.

Torion said trained residents become members of the Community Force Auxiliary Group (CFAG), a community-based volunteer network that the BFP is establishing across Mandaue City’s 27 barangays.

“Sila ang first responders g’yud, dili ang bombero, dili ang taga disaster, sila mismo kay sila ang naa ana nga community maong sila atong gi-empower,” said Torion.