CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) 10 (Northern Mindanao) reported 1,404 fire incidents in 2025, a nearly 30 percent decrease from the 2,000 cases recorded in 2024, an official reported Thursday, February 26, 2026

BFP-10 Director Rommel Villafuerte Tradio, however, noted that while the number of incidents dropped, the total cost of damage increased due to several major structural fires.

In 2024, total fire damage across Northern Mindanao reached ₱291.7 million. This figure rose to ₱361 million in 2025, underscoring the financial impact of fewer but more destructive incidents.

Large structural fires topped the list of incidents in 2025, contributing to higher property losses.

In Cagayan de Oro City, fire incidents dropped from 403 in 2024 to 231 in 2025, marking a 40 percent decrease.

Tradio attributed the reduction to intensified force multiplier training conducted in barangays, which enabled faster response times and immediate containment of fires before they escalated.

Meanwhile, the regional office has proposed a ₱50 billion budget for 2026, currently awaiting approval. The allocation aims to support the agency’s modernization program, as much of its firefighting equipment has become outdated. (Ercel Maandig/PNA)