- Property losses skyrocket to ₱108-M in January 2026:
THE DAVAO City Fire District (DCFD) has revealed that fire-related property losses reached P108 million, as incidents surged in January 2026 alone against the figures for the same period last year.
During the Davao Peace and Security press briefing held on Wednesday, Feb. 11, at the Royal Mandaya Hotel, Fire Senior Inspector Frances Marie Sendrijas said that based on their data, the city saw a 20% increase in fire incidents, jumping to 78 cases last month from the 65 cases in January 2025.
However, it was the financial toll that caused the most concern for authorities. The ₱108- million in damage for January 2026 was a massive leap from the ₱12 million recorded in January 2025.
Sendrijas attributed the sharp rise in damages to the nature of the properties involved, noting that recent blazes have shifted from small residential areas to larger commercial and industrial targets.
“So, as you have noticed with our recent fire incidents, huge establishments were also involved with warehouses,” Sendrijas told reporters.
The involvement of high-value commercial structures and warehouse facilities, which often house expensive machinery and bulk inventory, has been the primary driver behind the record-breaking damage totals.
Fire officials continue to urge establishment owners and residents alike to prioritize fire safety inspections and electrical maintenance to prevent further losses as the city enters the traditional “fire prevention” season.
