The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) have launched a hotline number for Metro Manila residents who want to have their electrical lines inspected by BFP personnel.

The initiative aims to prevent fire incidents in the National Capital Region (NCR), which have increased by 26 percent this year compared to the same period last year, according to BFP Director Louie S. Puracan.

Puracan said that more than 3,200 fires have been recorded nationwide this year, resulting in 74 casualties. Of these, 600 fire incidents occurred in NCR from January to February alone.

DILG Secretary Benhur Abalos announced the hotline number during the Ugnayan with DILG and Media held on Tuesday. He urged NCR residents to avail of the voluntary inspection service offered by the BFP, which is one of the attached agencies of the DILG.

Abalos said that most fire cases start from overheated appliances, especially electric fans, which can spark and ignite flammable materials. He advised the public to be careful with their electric fans and to have their electrical connections and old electrical appliances checked or thrown out.

He also cited electrical ignition due to arcing and overloading, and lighted cigarette butts as among the common causes of fires.

Puracan said that the BFP is currently training its personnel to respond to the requests for inspection of electrical wirings and systems in homes. He also reminded the public to observe fire safety measures, especially since March is the peak of the hot season, which is worsened by the ongoing El Niño phenomenon.