38 fires in just 3 months: Kalinga blazes jump 137.5%

TABUK CITY, Kalinga – Fire incidents in Kalinga surged by 137.5 percent during the second quarter of 2026, with the province recording 38 fire incidents from April to June—more than double the 16 incidents logged during the same period in 2025, according to data from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)-Kalinga Provincial Headquarters.

The sharp increase has alarmed fire authorities, as the spike poses serious threats to lives, properties, and the livelihoods of residents living near grasslands, farms, and fire-prone urban areas.

"Adda ti communities gamin nga even though adda ti kakadwa nga apan ag-lecture kanyada iti fire safety prevention and safety, adda latta dagijay community nga balbalewalain da (There are communities where, even though our personnel go out to lecture them on fire safety prevention and safety, some people still just disregard it)," said FO1 Leizl Trailer B. Bali of the BFP-Kalinga Public Information Unit (PIU).

The sharp increase was largely driven by Tabuk City, which recorded the highest number of fire incidents in the province and emerged as the primary contributor to the surge.

The Tabuk City Fire Station recorded 25 fire incidents during the second quarter of 2026, a significant increase from the 11 incidents recorded during the same period last year. The city alone accounted for about 65 percent of the province's total fire cases.

BFP data further showed that non-structural fires posted the biggest increase, rising from seven incidents in 2025 to 32 incidents in 2026.

These incidents mainly involved grasslands, wild vegetation, agricultural areas, and other open spaces. During periods of extreme heat, these areas can easily ignite and allow fires to spread rapidly, threatening nearby homes, farms, and other properties.

Based on fire investigation reports, open flames used during farmland and agricultural land-clearing activities remained the leading cause of fire incidents in the province. This was followed by rubbish fires, unattended bonfires that spread out of control, and cooking-related incidents involving LPG leaks.

Fire authorities said the prevailing hot and dry weather further aggravated the situation by drying vegetation and creating conditions that allowed fires to spread more quickly.

BFP shifts to quality-focused fire safety inspections

Beyond property damage, these fires also destroyed crops, disrupted local supply chains, and threatened food security in affected communities.

Meanwhile, the BFP clarified that the decline in the number of physical fire safety inspections during the second quarter of 2026 reflects a deliberate shift toward quality, credibility, and efficiency through evidence-based inspections rather than a reduction in enforcement.

As part of its transparency measures, the bureau continues to strictly implement its "No Body-Worn Camera, No Inspection" policy to ensure accountability during inspection activities.

BFP reminds public they can prevent fire from happening

With fire incidents continuing to rise, particularly in Tabuk City, the BFP renewed its appeal for greater public vigilance, stressing that preventing even the smallest spark is essential to protecting lives, properties, livelihoods, and the environment.

The BFP also reminded the public that most fire incidents are preventable through vigilance and responsible practices. Residents are advised to avoid burning grass, garbage, and farm waste during hot and windy conditions, never leave cooking or open flames unattended, regularly inspect electrical wiring and LPG connections, properly extinguish bonfires before leaving them, and immediately report any signs of fire to authorities.

Fire officials stressed that simple precautions and community cooperation can significantly reduce fire incidents and help protect lives, properties, and livelihoods.