Between 2015 and 2024, Myanmar experienced approximately 18,000 fires, causing financial losses exceeding 192 billion kyat and claiming an average of 100 lives per year, according to data released by the Myanmar Fire Service Department. The findings were published in a commemorative report marking the 79th anniversary of the department on May 5.  

The report detailed that over the past nine years, fires across the country led to significant destruction, with an estimated 192 billion kyat in damages. Each year, these incidents resulted in around 100 fatalities and 200 injuries, highlighting the ongoing risks posed by fire hazards.  

In 2024 alone (January to September), Myanmar recorded 953 fire incidents, categorized by cause. These included 147 cooking fires, 268 negligence-related fires, 352 electrical fires, 61 arson cases, 62 wildfires, and 43 fires set by insurgent groups, along with one lightning-induced blaze.  

The damage from this year’s fires has been severe, with 3,651 structures destroyed, including 9 factories, 44 warehouses, and numerous homes. The disasters left 8,554 people homeless and caused 76 deaths, 90 injuries, and the loss of 589 livestock. The total financial impact reached nearly 7.84 billion kyat.  

To reduce fire risks, the Fire Service Department issued safety guidelines, noting that cooking fires, electrical faults, and negligence are the leading causes of outbreaks. Authorities advised keeping flammable materials away from stoves, never leaving cooking unattended, and preventing children and elderly individuals from handling fire unsupervised. They also stressed the importance of installing heat-resistant barrier between stoves and surrounding structures.  

The department emphasized that public awareness and preventive measures are crucial in minimizing fire-related tragedies in the future.