UNDAS COMPOSITE IMAGE from Inquirer file/stock photos

MANILA, Philippines — As Filipinos flock to cemeteries and columbaria to honor loved ones during Undas (All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days), fires during this period are a sobering reminder of the need for heightened safety.

During Undas, many Filipinos light candles as offerings for the dead, a gesture deeply rooted in Filipino culture and faith. In many communities, candles are offered not only for family members, relatives, and friends but also for lost souls who may be seeking prayers for their eternal rest.

READ: LIVE UPDATES: Undas 2024

In a predominantly Catholic country such as the Philippines, candles are often lit as expressions of prayer intentions. For some, these candles represent petitions, thanksgiving, or simple acts of faith.

Lighting a candle is believed by many devout Catholics to help keep away negative spirits, with one candle traditionally placed near a loved one’s tomb as a symbol of prayer for the soul’s release from purgatory and entry into heaven.

READ: All Souls’ Day: Why do we pray for the dead?

However, the annual tradition of lighting candles for departed souls also carries safety risks.

On Friday morning, November 1, a fire erupted in a residential section within the Bagbag Cemetery compound in Quezon City, as crowds gathered to commemorate All Saints’ Day.

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) reported that the blaze ignited at 9:02 a.m., escalating to the second alarm by 9:17 a.m. Firefighters managed to bring it under control by 9:45 a.m. Amidst the chaos, residents evacuated the area, and cemetery visitors were temporarily barred from entry.

Preliminary findings suggest that the fire may have been caused by an electric fan that exploded and fell onto a bed, igniting flammable materials.

This incident is among several fire occurrences during Undas that the BFP has consistently cautioned the public about in recent years.

GRAPHIC: Ed Lustan

BFP’s Fire Arson Investigation Division (FAID), under the Directorate for Intelligence and Investigation (DII), indicates a steady rise in fire cases during Undas — from October 31 to November 2 — over the past five years:

During this period, a total of 660 cases were reported across the country. The data show a fluctuating yet worrisome trend, reaching a peak of 171 cases in 2022. While 2023 saw a slight drop to 168 incidents, these figures underscore the ongoing fire hazards linked to Undas observances.

Open flames from unattended candles accounted for the largest share of fire causes during Undas, totaling 144 cases in the last five years.

GRAPHIC: Ed Lustan

Additionally, electrical issues play a substantial role in fire outbreaks during this period. Arcing, which occurs when electricity jumps between wires or terminals, has caused 108 fires, while loose connections have contributed to 74 cases.

BFP reported that there have been 1,391 fires nationwide attributed to open flames from rubbish and bonfires, making them the leading cause of fires in the country this year.

Following closely are electrical fires caused by arcing, which accounted for 1,062 cases, and fires ignited by discarded cigarette butts, totaling 935 incidents. In total, the BFP has recorded approximately 15,945 fires across the country since the start of the year.

Candles are a deeply ingrained part of Undas, symbolizing light and remembrance for the departed. However, recent years have seen a rise in candle prices, adding financial strain to families observing these traditions.

According to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the suggested retail prices of popular candle brands have steadily increased since 2019 until last year.

GRAPHIC: Ed Lustan

While the increase in candle prices reflects inflationary pressures, candles remain an irreplaceable part of the occasion.

According to BFP, the public can avoid or prevent candle-related fires during Undas by adhering to these safety precautions:

The BFP urged the public “to be vigilant in the usage of candles, matches, and lighters in the observance of Undas.” Additionally, in the event of a fire or other emergencies, the BFP strongly advised contacting 911, the national emergency hotline.

READ: LGUs issue public reminder and guidelines for Undas 2024

In a recent statement, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) announced the activation of OPLAN Kaluluwa, a public safety campaign aimed at fire prevention, community safety, and emergency response readiness in preparation for the observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.

The BFP is currently on code red for the duration of these observances and in anticipation of the impacts of Super Typhoon Leon

GRAPHIC: Ed Lustan

Approximately 37,000 firefighters nationwide will be on standby during this period.

“As part of this initiative, the BFP will conduct rekorida (public safety patrols) to monitor potential hazards in public places,” the BFP stated.

Additionally, the BFP assured the public that Emergency Medical Service stations will be established for immediate response to incidents in public areas. These stations will be staffed by medical personnel and equipped with first aid supplies, ambulances, and FAST (First Aid Service Team) motorcycles to assist motorists along major routes.

“The Fire Bureau has been in FULL ALERT (Code Red) Status since October 30, 2024. It is dedicated to providing a safe and secure observance period, ready to respond to any emergencies and uphold its commitment to public safety.”

The National Candle Association (NCA) and the U.S. National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) have released guidelines the public should keep in mind for safe candle usage.

These include trimming the wick of the candle to 1/4 inch and removing any debris left in the wax pool, such as wick trimmings or discarded matches, before lighting a candle.

“Any debris will add more fuel to the candle than it’s designed to handle. Too much fuel can cause the flame to unexpectedly flare up or even start a small fire near the candle flame,” the guidelines read.

“Wicks that are left long or crooked can cause uneven burning, dripping, flaring, and sooting,” it added.

GRAPHIC: Ed Lustan

The NCA also noted that candles should not be left burning longer than the recommended duration indicated in the manufacturer’s instructions.

“Burning a candle for too long will cause carbon to collect on the wick, leading it to “mushroom.” The wick will then become unstable and produce a dangerously large flame,” it explained.

“In general, it is recommended that candles do not burn for longer than four hours and cool for at least two hours before relighting,” the NCA added.

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A study by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission suggested that 85 percent of candle fires could be avoided if consumers followed three basic safety rules:

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