Competencies of Bureau of Fire Protection Personnel and the Incidence of Fire in the National Capital Region, Philippines: A Correlational Study

This study evaluated and assessed the competencies of Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) personnel and the challenges encountered in managing fire incidents in the National Capital Region (NCR) from 2015 to 2024. Employing a quantitative-correlational research design, the study aimed to establish the relationship between BFP personnel competence and fire incident outcomes—specifically in classifying fire incidents, managing casualties, and containing property damage. Data were gathered using survey questionnaires, key informant interviews, and documentary analysis, with a total of 357 respondents from various. BFP units across the NCR, selected through stratified sampling and Cochran’s formula. The findings revealed that BFP personnel were generally competent, earning mean ratings ranging from 4.42 to 4.43. Fire incidents ranged from 12,070 to 19,292 cases annually, with casualties peaking at 448 in 2019 and damages reaching ₱13.07 billion in 2023. A significant negative correlation was found between BFP competence and casualties (r = -0.713, p = 0.016), while relationships with fire classifications and property damage were weak and statistically insignificant. The NCR was chosen as the study locale due to its high population density, rapid urbanization, and frequent fire occurrences. The region’s urban complexity and infrastructure challenges heightened its vulnerability to fire hazards, making it an appropriate site to assess the performance of fire protection personnel. The study also reviewed existing fire prevention measures such as public awareness campaigns, inspections, drills, and policy enforcement. Challenges identified included lack of equipment (86.83%), personnel shortages (81.51%), poor public cooperation (53.78%), inadequate water supply (49.86%), and disorganized urban planning (47.06%). To address these, proposed action plans included equipment procurement (₱7.5M), recruitment and training (₱5M), awareness campaigns (₱750K), hydrant installation (₱3M), and urban planning coordination (₱1M). The study concluded that while BFP personnel in the NCR demonstrate competence in fire management, significant gaps in logistics, infrastructure, and public engagement remain. It recommends continuous training, strategic resource allocation, infrastructure upgrades, and multi-sectoral collaboration to improve fire safety and governance in the region.