Authorities in Panama have stressed the importance of fire prevention, reminding everyone that small oversights can trigger large-scale fires with serious consequences for families and the environment in Veraguas province.
The main causes of fires in 2025 have been identified as electrical faults, unattended candles, and Christmas lights. The fire department has advised against leaving candles unattended and to regularly check the condition of household appliances.
During the holiday season, it is also crucial to ensure that Christmas lights and materials used in nativity scenes are in good condition, as these factors have been responsible for more than 20 fires that have occurred in Veraguas province this year.
Colonel Eduardo Chen from the fire department shared an example of a small fire they extinguished at a bazaar in Veraguas, where an altar with candles was beginning to engulf the premises.
According to Panama's Fire Department, the province of Veraguas has recorded over 20 structural fires in commercial and residential properties this year.
