BFP-Tabuk calls for fire safety, urges public to secure homes before joining Matagoan Festival events

Tabuk City, Kalinga – The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in Tabuk City is reminding residents to ensure their homes are safe from potential fire hazards before leaving to attend activities during the 19th Matagoan Festival celebration.

The reminder came as the Matagoan Festival officially kicked off on Monday, June 22, with thousands of residents expected to leave their homes to participate in and witness various festival events.

According to BFP Tabuk City spokesperson Fire Officer 1 Aila Phyllia, residents should take time to check their homes before going out, particularly by unplugging electrical appliances and ensuring that LPG tanks are properly turned off.

“Always check the safety of your house before leaving. Make sure to unplug all appliances and make sure to switch off LPG tank when leaving. Kasi last Matagoan Festival, may nasunog ulit na bahay dahil naiwan ‘yung niluluto sa kusina to attend the concert,” she said.

Phyllia recalled that BFP personnel responded to a residential fire during last year's Matagoan Festival after a resident allegedly left food cooking on the stove while attending a festival concert.

Meanwhile, the BFP Tabuk City, under the leadership of Acting Fire Marshal FSINSP Gilbert Ngaya-an, recorded a total of 41 fire incidents from January to June 2026.

Of the total incidents, 33 were classified as non-structural fires, five were residential fires, two were non-residential fires, and one involved a vehicle.

Among the most recent incidents was a residential fire in Barangay Dagupan Weste on June 11. No injuries were reported, and responding BFP personnel were able to completely extinguish the fire within nine minutes of arriving at the scene.

With festival activities expected to draw large crowds in the coming days, the BFP continues to encourage the public to practice fire safety measures and remain vigilant to prevent avoidable fire incidents.