Kalinga fires up by 190%: Grassfires lead surge in first half of 2026

TABUK CITY, Kalinga — Fire incidents in Kalinga surged by 190 percent during the first half of 2026, with grassfires accounting for the bulk of non-structural fires recorded across the province, according to the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)-Kalinga.

The BFP-Kalinga recorded 64 fire incidents from January to June 2026, up from only 22 during the same period in 2025, based on its comparative fire incident report obtained by Guru Press Cordillera.

The 64 incidents included 49 non-structural fires, 14 structural fires, and one transport fire.

Grassfires drive increase

Non-structural fires posted the biggest increase, jumping from eight cases in the first half of 2025 to 49 this year.

Of the 49 non-structural fires, 41 were grassfires. The remaining incidents involved rubbish, an electrical post, agricultural land, and a forest.

Non-structural fires are those that do not involve buildings or other structures and may include grass, rubbish, agricultural, forest, and other fires occurring in open areas.

Grassfires accounted for more than 80 percent of all non-structural fires recorded during the period, making them the main driver of the overall increase.

Structural fires also rise

Structural fires also increased, from 10 cases in January to June 2025 to 14 during the same period this year, representing a 40-percent increase.

These involved single- and two-family dwellings, businesses, a healthcare facility, a special structure, and a mercantile establishment.

Transport fires, meanwhile, were the only category that declined, dropping from four cases last year to one this year. The lone 2026 transport fire involved an automobile.

Open burning among causes

The BFP report identified several activities involving open flames among the causes of the recorded fires.

These included burning rubbish, cooking, agricultural land clearing, bonfires, and other activities involving exposed flames.

For cooking-related incidents, the report cited the use of LPG, gas stoves, and firewood.

The BFP also noted the risk of uncontrolled burning during the dry season, when grass, leaves, crops, and other vegetation can easily catch fire and allow flames to spread rapidly.

Tabuk records most fires

Tabuk City recorded the highest number of fire incidents in both periods covered by the report.

In the first half of 2025, Tabuk recorded 24 cases, followed by Rizal with eight, Pinukpuk with three, and Pasil and Lubuagan with one each. Balbalan, Tanudan, and Tinglayan recorded no incidents.

For the first half of 2026, Tabuk recorded 42 cases, followed by Rizal with nine and Pinukpuk with eight. Tanudan, Pasil, and Balbalan recorded two cases each, while Lubuagan recorded one. Tinglayan remained at zero.

BFP urges fire vigilance

With fire incidents sharply increasing, Fire Officer 1 Leizl Graile Bali and Non-Uniformed Personnel San Ubaldo B. Esteban of BFP-Kalinga urged residents to remain vigilant and observe fire-safety measures, particularly in areas vulnerable to grass and forest fires.

They emphasized the importance of immediately reporting fires, noting that early intervention can prevent flames from spreading and reduce the risk of damage to lives and property.

Residents are also advised to avoid burning rubbish or vegetation during dry and windy conditions, never leave cooking fires unattended, keep flammable materials away from open flames, properly extinguish cigarettes and cooking fires, and ensure that LPG and electrical equipment are used and maintained safely.

The public is likewise urged to avoid leaving fires unattended and to immediately alert authorities when smoke or flames are spotted, especially in grassland and forest areas where fires can spread quickly.

In case of fire or other emergencies, the public may contact the following BFP station hotlines 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