At least 28 people died in the 654 fire incidents recorded over the first nine months of 2025. The main causes included electrical faults and the careless use of candles and incense, according to a National Police statement issued on Sunday, November 22.
The number of incidents represented a 25 per cent decrease compared to the same period in 2024, when 873 cases were recorded.
The report was presented during the handover ceremony of a foam-type fire truck to the Preah Sihahnouk Department of Fire Prevention, Extinguishing, and Rescue. General Chev Hak, deputy national police commissioner, presided over the ceremony. He noted that the new vehicle will contribute to protecting lives, property, the environment and public order.
The truck was donated by Herdan Sihanoukville Power Generation Co., Ltd.
According to the report, delivered by Neth Vantha, director of the Department of Fire Prevention, Extinguishing and Rescue, the majority of fires stemmed from carelessness and negligence by the public, including business owners, or electrical issues.
He added that there are still several challenges in firefighting that require close attention. They include complex geographic conditions, narrow roads that hinder rescue operations, and difficulties in responding to requests in a timely manner.
There is also a shortage of the equipment needed for effective fire prevention and emergency response — such as an insufficient number of fire trucks, particularly in provinces far from Phnom Penh, which cannot adequately serve existing factories and enterprises.
He called on residents, factory owners and all businesses to cooperate in preventing fires and reducing risks. He emphasised the need for collaboration with fire experts to train staff to form in-house fire response teams or volunteer firefighting groups.
