Analyzing fire safety inspection certificates and fire causes in Baguio City establishments

Abstract

This study employed a mixed method correlational design to examine the relationship between fire incident causes in Baguio City business establishments and compliance with mandated Fire Safety Inspection Certificates (FSICs). The quantitative phase analyzed 2024 fire incident reports and Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) certification records, using Pearson correlation and Chi square tests to determine whether FSIC compliance aligned with reduced fire occurrences. Results identified four major ignition sources: electrical arcing, appliance overheating, careless smoking, and open cooking flames. Findings revealed a moderate positive correlation (r = .53, p < .05) between FSIC compliance and improved fire prevention outcomes. Establishments with valid FSICs showed lower fire risks, yet incidents persisted, highlighting gaps in enforcement and monitoring. This disconnects suggested that certification alone did not guarantee operational safety. To contextualize these findings, the qualitative phase involved semi structured interviews with ten stakeholders, including BFP personnel, fire safety inspectors, and business owners. Thematic analysis, revealed three dominant themes: prolonged inspection delays, documentation gaps, and limited training. These themes explained why FSIC compliance did not fully translate into safety, pointing to administrative inefficiencies and outdated inspection practices. The integrated analysis underscored that FSIC effectiveness depended on continuous monitoring, digital record management, and proactive staff training. The study provided empirical evidence supporting modernization of BFP administrative functions, stricter post certification protocols, and enhanced inspector training. These reforms were deemed essential to strengthen compliance, accountability, and fire risk mitigation in Baguio City’s urban business environment.