The Bureau of Fire Protection Puerto Princesa City Fire Station recorded 26 grass fire incidents from January to May 19, 2026, higher than the figures logged during the same period in the past two years, with authorities blaming extreme heat for the increase.
SFO1 Barrister Carl Conde, chief investigator of the BFP PPC Fire Station, said the barangays of Bacungan, Sta. Monica, Sicsican, Irawan, and Tiniguiban recorded the highest number of grass fire incidents.
“Almost every day po.. madalas kami makatanggap ng tawag 12 o’clock,” Conde said, recalling how firefighters were responding to grass fires almost daily during March.
According to Conde, the intense heat being experienced in the city is among the factors contributing to the increase in grass fires.
Aside from grass fires, the BFP also recorded 23 residential fires, three non-residential fires, and one transport fire incident.
Authorities have yet to release the estimated cost of damage for this year’s incidents as investigations into several cases are still ongoing.
During the first part of 2025, fire incidents in the city caused an estimated ₱17.8 million in damages.
Overall data from the agency showed that total fire incidents dropped by 11 in 2025 compared to 2024.
A total of 78 fire incidents were recorded in 2024, with an estimated ₱121.3 million in damages, while 67 incidents were recorded in 2025 with ₱59.3 million in damages.
