₱7.4M up in flames: Kalinga fire damage soars 456% in first half of 2026

TABUK CITY, Kalinga — More than ₱7.4 million worth of property and other losses were recorded in fire incidents across Kalinga during the first half of 2026, marking a dramatic increase from the damage reported during the same period last year.

Data obtained by Guru Press Cordillera from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)-Kalinga showed that an estimated ₱7,406,683 in fire damage was recorded from January to June 2026.

The figure was significantly higher than the ₱1,332,850 in estimated damages recorded during the first half of 2025.

The increase amounted to ₱6,073,833, or about 455.7 percent.

More fires, bigger losses

The sharp increase in damage came alongside a surge in the number of fire incidents recorded in the province.

BFP data showed that 64 fire incidents were recorded in Kalinga during the first half of 2026, compared with only 22 incidents during the same period last year.

Of the 64 cases, 49 were non-structural fires, 14 were structural fires, and one was a transport fire.

Grassfires accounted for the majority of the non-structural incidents. Of the 49 cases, 41 involved grassfires.

The remaining non-structural fires involved rubbish, an electrical post, agricultural land, and a forest.

The high number of grassfires highlights the risks posed by dry vegetation, particularly when fire is used for agricultural activities such as kaingin or other open-area burning.

BFP: Prevent fires before they spread

With both fire incidents and reported damages increasing, residents are urged to exercise greater caution when using fire, especially in open areas and during dry conditions.

Open flames used for cooking, land clearing, or other legitimate activities should never be left unattended. Residents are also advised to avoid burning rubbish or vegetation when dry and windy conditions could allow flames to spread rapidly to nearby grass, crops, houses, or other properties.

The public is likewise encouraged to immediately report any fire to the nearest fire station or authorities so firefighters can respond before the flames spread and cause greater damage.

A small fire can become a major loss in minutes. Preventing it before it starts—or reporting it while it is still manageable—can save lives, homes, livelihoods, and millions of pesos in property.

For fire incidents and other emergencies, the public may contact the following BFP stations in Kalinga:

Office of the Provincial Fire Marshal: 0945-537-1514

Balbalan Fire Station: 0977-619-7989

Lubuagan Fire Station: 0935-788-2768

Pasil Fire Station: 0960-836-4389

Pinukpuk Fire Station: 0915-382-5221 / 0969-479-5936

Rizal Fire Station: 0956-924-8331

Tabuk City Fire Station: 0977-360-7633 / 0928-715-3959

Bulanao Fire Sub-Station: 0981-083-6268

Agbannawag Fire Sub-Station: 0912-926-3045

Tanudan Fire Station: 0999-374-0546

Tinglayan Fire Station: 0945-326-1123