WILLEMSTAD – Fires affected 40 homes, 16 commercial establishments and three resorts in Curaçao during the first nine months of 2026, according to official figures released by the Curaçao Fire Department. The figures have prompted renewed concerns about fire safety as authorities call for greater public awareness and preventive measures.
The statistics, covering January through September, were released as part of Fire Prevention Month, an initiative aimed at encouraging residents and business owners to recognize potential fire hazards and take action before emergencies occur.
House on fire in Willemstad
According to the Fire Department, firefighters responded to a total of 1,025 incidents during the first three quarters of the year. Of these, 546 were classified as fire-related incidents.
The figures show that 46 incidents involved indoor fires, while 485 were classified as outdoor fires. Another 15 incidents were recorded under other fire-related categories.
Beyond firefighting operations, the department handled 451 service and assistance cases, consisting of 381 service-related calls and 70 assistance operations. Firefighters also responded to 28 false alarms during the reporting period.
The number of properties affected by fires highlights the potential consequences for households, businesses and the tourism sector. Residential fires can result in the loss of personal belongings and housing, while fires involving commercial establishments and resorts can disrupt economic activities and threaten the safety of employees, visitors and surrounding communities.
The Fire Department did not provide details about the extent of the damage to the affected properties or indicate whether any injuries or fatalities were recorded during the reporting period.
Authorities emphasized that the statistics demonstrate the continued importance of fire prevention and public awareness.
With the final months of 2026 underway, the Fire Department is urging the community to take fire risks seriously, particularly in residential neighborhoods and commercial areas.
The department reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the population through emergency response operations, preventive activities and public education.
It stressed that reducing the number of fires requires cooperation between emergency services, residents and business owners throughout Curaçao.