Mandaue City battles rising fire risks as dry season ignites hazards
Mandaue City faces a growing risk of house fires as the dry season sets in. Loose wires, illegal electrical hookups, and even burning trash can spark disasters in crowded neighbourhoods. Local officials are now pushing for stricter safety checks to prevent further incidents. Councilor Eugene Andaya, who leads the city’s disaster risk reduction committee, has called on village teams to take immediate action. He stressed that illegal electrical connections—common in narrow alleys—are a major fire hazard. These unauthorised setups often overload circuits, leading to short circuits and blaze outbreaks.
Andaya urged barangays to actively monitor and enforce existing ordinances. Violators currently face fines starting at ₱1,000 for a first offence, rising to ₱5,000 for repeat cases. He also warned that dry conditions turn even small fires, like burning rubbish, into serious threats. The councilor highlighted the need for disaster preparedness programmes to identify risks before they escalate. With grassroots enforcement, he believes many fires could be avoided during the peak of the hot season.
Barangays in Mandaue City must now step up inspections and penalties under local laws. Stricter enforcement aims to cut down on illegal wiring and reckless trash burning. The goal is to reduce fire risks before the dry season worsens.
