THE DAVAO City Fire District (DCFD) has reported 429 incidents for the first four months of 2026, reflecting an 81.78% increase compared to the 236 incidents recorded during the same period last year.
Fire Senior Inspector Frances Mae Sendrijas, spokesperson for the DCFD, shared the data during the Davao Peace and Security press briefing held at The Royal Mandaya Hotel last week.
According to the DCFD, the surge was primarily driven by non-structural fires, which include grass, garbage, and post fires.Of the 429 incidents (January 1 – April 28, 2026), 103 covered residential fires and 43 were non-residential fires.
“Our fire incidents are really high this year,” Sendrijas remarked, noting that non-structural fires are the primary concern due to the current extreme heat.
“If you notice, the northern and southern parts of Davao City, where there are vast grasslands and agricultural lands, are the areas most prone to these fires,” she explained.
Escalating risksThe DCFD warns that uncontrolled grass and garbage fires pose a direct threat to residential areas.Sendrijas said that in dry conditions, a small, neglected fire can quickly become uncontrollable, potentially spreading to nearby houses.
In this light, the DCFD is intensifying its campaign against open burning, which is strictly prohibited under the Fire Code of the Philippines.
“We are actively using our social media platforms to remind the public that open burning is not allowed,” Sendrijas stated. “We are urging residents to dispose of their trash properly. With the current energy crisis and the lack of rain, we need everyone’s cooperation to lessen these incidents.”
The DCFD is also coordinating with homeowners’ associations to monitor areas where reports of open burning have surfaced.Despite the strain on resources, Sendrijas assured the public that the DCFD remains fully prepared to respond to emergencies.
She encouraged residents to remain vigilant and report any fire safety violations immediately.
“Davao City Fire District is ready to respond in case of any emergency. We urge the community to help us—if you see violations, please report them so we can act immediately,” she added.
On Monday, there was a reported house on fire at Purok 30, Km. 10.5, Cabantian. However, the Bureau of Fire has yet to provide details regarding the incident.
