BFP-NIR mobilizes communities to prevent fires, records 40% drop

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — The Bureau of Fire Protection – Negros Island Region (BFP-NIR) is actively leading efforts and programs that engage communities in fire prevention.

Fire Chief Supt. Rodolfo Denaga, BFP-NIR director, said fire incidents in the region declined by 40 percent in 2025, speaking at a press briefing at the Negros Press Club building here on Thursday.

He said only 1,060 fire incidents were recorded last year, compared to 1,700 in 2024, covering the provinces of Siquijor, Negros Occidental, including Bacolod City, and Negros Oriental.

Property damage likewise declined, dropping 19 percent from PHP 236 million in 2024 to PHP 160 million in 2025.

Denaga attributed the reduction to the BFP’s fire prevention campaign, particularly in red zones or fire-prone areas, noting that many stakeholders have since taken a more active role in preventing fires.

To sustain and broaden their reach, Denaga said the BFP is using social media to educate the public on fire safety, aiming to reach even the grassroots level.

He also stressed the importance of engaging the youth in fire safety awareness through fire road shows and the “Bumbero sa Paaralan” program.

To further expand the awareness campaign, Denaga said he directed personnel to ensure every resident within their areas is reached during house inspections as part of their fire prevention drive. “This strategy would enable us to lower fire incidents,” he said.

He also underscored the role of community fire auxiliary groups, which act as first responders during emergencies in barangays, with the BFP training community members to be resilient and capable of responding to both man-made and natural disasters in support of government agencies.

Denaga emphasized that reducing fire incidents is not solely the responsibility of the fire department but also requires participation, awareness, and cooperation from the public.

Meanwhile, Denaga said every local government unit in the region has at least one fire truck, but stressed the need to replace aging units — particularly those already more than 20 years old — to ensure their effectiveness and efficiency.