Top Causes of Fire Incidents in the Philippines

It's better to be robbed than to have your house catch fire.

This is a proverbial Filipino adage that emphasizes the utmost importance of fire safety and prevention. It's not that we prefer being robbed to catching a house fire. Rather, it seeks to highlight the unprecedented damage that house fires can bring to homeowners, especially financially. Thieves can take your most expensive appliances, but fire can take practically everything, even your land title and all the cash savings you worked hard for and kept in a safety box from your cabinet.

A house and lot in the Philippines is arguably the most expensive purchase and investment among Filipinos, and all your hard work will burn and crumble to the ground in the event of a preventable fire.

But it's not only residential buildings that catch fires, but also public places, such as the recent fire incident that befell the upper levels of Baguio City Public Market, destroying thousands of stalls and displacing thousands of vendors. The same place caught fire in 2009 just after holding its annual Panagbenga Festival celebration.

Rightfully so, the Bureau of Fire Protection keeps reiterating the importance of fire prevention and is tireless in its quest for lesser, if not zero, fire incidents every year. They conduct fire simulations especially in schools and workplaces during every Fire Prevention Month. After all, we'll never know when a fire incident might happen, so these fire drills are extremely important for disaster preparedness, minimizing damages and casualties, and for the mere sake of raising awareness.

In this article, we rounded up the top causes of fire incidents in the Philippines, as well as some basic but legitimately helpful ways to prevent fires and what to do in case the unfortunate happens, whether it's within your own property or in a public setting.

Top 3 Culprits of Fire Incidents in the Philippines

It's scary that something as simple as lighting a cigarette and obliviously throwing it out can cause open flames that will turn into a giant ball of fire destroying everything that is near it. According to an official report from the Bureau of Fire Protection, below are the top three culprits of fire incidents in the Philippines.

1. Substandard electrical wiring

The BFP has spoken: one of the top causes of fire incidents in the country is faulty electrical wiring. This underlying issue in electrical connections stems mainly from improper connections, old wiring, and overloading. Hence, it is extremely essential to refrain from overusing electrical cords, resorting to octopus connections, and buying substandard cables that don't meet industry requirements for safe electrical use. Before switching your circuit breaker on to power electricity, check for faulty wiring or hire a professional to make an inspection.

2. Lit cigarette butts

It turns out cigarettes are not only bad for health, but they're also characteristically bad as one of the most common culprits of fire incidents in the Philippines. If you're a smoker, this is another motivation to stop the deed little by little.

If it's too difficult for you to quit just like that, make sure to be extremely careful with your nicotine consumption. Do not carelessly throw out your cigarette unless you're sure it's been completely put out. Refrain from disposing of it inside your home near any heating equipment or space heaters (applies mainly to areas experiencing colder weather). You must also not throw it outside near anything that can cause a fire, such as a trash bin full of paper clutter and other combustible materials.

3. Unattended kitchen

It's a horror story: you left the kitchen to run a supposedly quick errand, then completely forget you're also doing something in the kitchen, and the next thing you know, your house is on fire. Gas explosions and open flames coming from unattended stoves are also common causes of fire incidents particularly in homes. If you really need to run an errand, make sure to set up an alarm of when you'd need to go back in the kitchen to turn the stove off or at least have a family member attend to it in the meantime. This can save you from the scary prospect of a fire borne out of human negligence.

Safety Tips Before, During, and After a Fire

Every homeowner should know the many ways to remain safe not only before a fire accident could happen but also during and after. Below is a substantial list of fire safety tips that every homeowner and family member must keep in mind.

Before a fire incident

• Invest in smoke alarms. These devices are essential in detecting fires at a home or building, and will hence save lives and minimize injuries.

• Invest in fire extinguishers, too. Fire extinguishers are mandatory in every hospital, school, and workplace. Make it mandatory in your home as well.

• Develop a family fire escape plan. This includes testing out your smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, and where to escape in case of fire. Thoroughly inspect your home interiors and look for possible exit routes.

• Teach your kids what to do to be prepared. If you have children, it would help to teach them about the significance of disaster and fire preparedness and educate them about the basics of fire safety, such as the proper use of extinguishers or prevention tips such as switching the stove off that was inadvertently left out open.

• Consider applying for property insurance. Having this type of insurance will save you from the financial nightmare that comes along in the event of a fire. Types of home insurance include coverage for fire incidents, personal accidents, and even property theft.

During a fire incident

• Apply what you learned and use a fire extinguisher. If used properly, it can definitely put out a fire and prevent a major catastrophe.

• Never touch or open a door handle that's warm. This is indicative of a raging fire or smoke outside. Stay where you are keep the door closed. If you have your phone, call the local fire department to seek immediate help.

• Forget your belongings and immediately vacate the building. Once you escaped, never think of going back inside even if you forgot something very important. At this point, your safety is the most important more than any possessions.

• If your escape route is covered in smoke, get under. This is one way to escape a smoke attack. Aim for the exit and close the door behind you.

• If it's both smoke and flames, stay where you are and close the door. The unopened doors will be your temporary barrier from the extreme heat and toxic gases from the fire. While you're trapped, call for help immediately.

• If your garments catch fire, remember to stop, drop to the ground, and roll over repeatedly and back and forth until the flames subside and go out. What you shouldn't do: run. Running is like fanning the flames.

• Yell "sunog!" (fire) as loud as you can once you're out. This will alert your neighbors about a fire emergency. This way, they can help or call the authorities to summon firefighters.

• Call your local fire department ASAP. If you can, do it yourself. It is important that the local fire department's contact number is in your phone. This can help to put out the fire sooner and prevent the worst from happening.

After a fire incident

• Call or have someone call an ambulance if you haven't yet. The sheer amount of smoke that might have developed can compromise your health. Calling an ambulance immediately to get you and your family medically checked is crucially important after a fire incident.

• Notify your friends and relatives that you're safe. Tell your loved ones and friends that you're safe and assure them that the fire is under control. It's important that they know your current situation so they could be with you soon to check on you.

• Seek medical attention as needed, even for your pets. As mentioned, the smoke can adversely affect your health. Even if you think you're completely fine, it's still better to have you checked. If you have pets, they must be taken care of too by a veterinarian.

• Don't go near the fire-ravaged property until authorities declare it's safe. A fire that may look like it has been completely put out can still be dangerous. It's even safer if you don't go anywhere near your ravaged property even if it's declared safe.

If you're actively on the lookout for an affordable house and lot for sale near essential establishments including your local fire department, Lumina Homes communities nationwide are strategically located to achieve this accessibility and convenience.

What is more, Lumina Homes ensures the collective protection of homeowners by having 24/7 security services and guarded entrances. Whether it's fire or thieves, every homeowner deserves nothing less than peace of mind when living in their affordable house and lot. Shelter your family through a Lumina Homes investment and get your house and lot in the Philippines with a trusted real estate brand like ours.