The Department of Interior and Local Government reported yesterday that fire incidents nationwide went down 12.10 percent or 3,058 cases, from January to April this year, compared to the 3,479 fires for the same period last year, its press release said.

But DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo said that, based on reports from the Bureau of Fire Protection, estimated cost of damages rose by 18.24 percent or P1.09 billion from P922.2 million, the press release also said.

He said majority of the fire incidents were accidental in nature, mainly due to faulty electrical connections and defective appliances, spontaneous combustion, open flame due to unattended cooking stoves or lighted cigarettes.

There were 76 cases of intentional fire, 125 of undetermined origin, and 775 cases still under investigation, Robredo added.

The DILG said the fires also claimed the lives of 83 civilians, and wounded 230 others, or a 6.57 percent drop from the reported 97 fatalities and 238 injuries in 2011.

The BFP has inspected 400,811 various establishments in the country, issued 380,180 Fire Safety Inspection Certificates, many of them for business/permit to operate, and has generated P417.2 million for Fire Code fees, the press release also said.*

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