City officials and emergency responders are being urged to prepare early for the Christmas and New Year celebrations as a proposed safety plan seeks to prevent fires and fireworks-related injuries.
Councilor Michelle Abella-Cellona filed a resolution asking the city government and concerned agencies to coordinate fire prevention and emergency response measures for the 2026 holiday season.
The proposal cited Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) records showing that Cebu City recorded 329 fire incidents in 2024 and another 263 from Jan. 1 to Dec. 16, 2025.
Although the figures cover incidents throughout the city and are not limited to holiday-related fires, the resolution said they underscore the need to sustain preventive measures.
It identified common fire hazards during the festivities, including overloaded electrical connections, combustible Christmas decorations, crowded establishments and the improper use of firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices.
The resolution also raised concerns over fireworks-related injuries, particularly burns and eye injuries involving children.
Abella-Cellona wants the city to intensify public information campaigns on electrical and fireworks safety and enforce existing regulations governing firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices.
The proposed preparations include identifying fire-prone residential and commercial areas, coordinating safety inspections and checking the availability of firefighting equipment and emergency medical resources.
The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, City Health Department, BFP, Cebu City Police Office and concerned barangays are among the agencies and offices expected to coordinate under the proposed plan.
The resolution also calls for the deployment of emergency medical teams, hospital referral arrangements and monitoring of fireworks-related injuries throughout the holiday celebrations.
Abella-Cellona further wants concerned offices to assess their available resources, identify gaps in preparedness and establish clear responsibilities before the festivities begin.
The proposal also emphasizes keeping emergency access routes clear, particularly in densely populated communities where fire trucks and ambulances may encounter difficulty reaching affected areas.
Under the resolution, the Office of the City Administrator would submit a consolidated preparedness report to the City Council within 15 days of receiving the measure, preferably before Dec. 1, 2026.
The report should outline priority areas for inspection, planned preventive measures, available emergency resources and implementation schedules.
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