There have been 40 fire incidents reported as of December 24, 2025; 17 were related to the use of firecrackers.

BFP Chief, Public Information Service Spokesperson FSupt. Anthony Arroyo explained that the majority of the incidents were caused by increasing utilization of appliances, lightings, unattended open flames or LPG leaks.

“Maraming nagdagdagdag ng load sa holiday season na ito dahil nga mas maraming gumagamit ng pailaw, mas maraming nagluluto gamit ang electrical cooking appliance. At gayun din ‘yung mga additional lightings sa mga surrounding hindi lamang sa bawat bahay kahit sa mga outside properties.” he said

[“There is a significant increase in electrical load this holiday season because of the increasing use of lighting, many people are cooking through electrical appliances. And also, the additional lightings in the surroundings not only in each houses but also in outside properties."]

In light of these incidents, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) has issued safety tips to prevent fire incidents during the holiday season.

1. Always unglug appliances that are not in use.
2. Avoid using firecrackers or pyrotechnics and if possible use alternative noisemakers instead.
3. Inform a trusted neighbor if you will be away from your house for a long period of time.
4. Turn off all the lights, stove, and LPG tanks before going to sleep.
5. Keep the firecrackers away from electrical outlets, cigarette butts or any source of ignition.
6. Do not utilize sky lanterns.
7. Utilization and ignition of firecrackers near residential houses and other buildings should be prevented

Arroyo reminds the public to avoid using sky lanterns and not to emulate the practices of other countries like Japan and Taiwan. Communities in the Philippines are densely populated. With a simple wind movement, if the lanterns land on residential areas, the fire could spread so fast, forming a massive destruction to the community.

Take note of these tips and have a safe and joyous holiday! 

Via Ryan Lacanlale’s report