Tragic Candle Fire Incident in Bacolod City
BACOLOD CITY – A tragic fire caused by an unattended candle has claimed the life of a six-year-old girl in Purok Active, Barangay Mandalagan. The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)-Bacolod confirmed the incident on Saturday, May 31, highlighting the dangers of leaving lighted candles unattended at home.
Local sources revealed that the young girl died on Thursday, May 29, at Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital due to pneumonia and severe infection. She had suffered second- to third-degree burns during the fire and succumbed to complications five days after the blaze broke out on May 24.
Details of the Fire and Victims
According to community leaders, the victim was rescued by a neighbor through a small hole near the kitchen during the fire. Sadly, her one-year-old sister also perished in the same incident. The fire started when their teenage siblings left the two children alone with a lighted candle placed on top of a plastic cabinet. They had gone to attend a local purok fiesta, while their mother was away for work.
Warning from Fire Officials on Candle Safety
Fire experts expressed alarm over the recent string of candle-related fires involving children. They emphasized the importance of never leaving children unattended at home, especially when candles or other fire hazards are present. “We continue to remind the public not to leave children alone at home and be cautious with candles,” said a spokesperson for the local fire department.
This incident is the second fire-related tragedy reported within a week in Bacolod City involving children. Earlier, on May 20, two siblings aged six and eight died in a candle-induced fire in Purok Lison, Barangay 1, following a power outage in the area.
Community Call for Vigilance and Safety Measures
Reports indicate this troubling pattern calls for increased public awareness about fire safety and child supervision. Community officials urge families to adopt safer alternatives to candles and ensure young children are never left alone during potentially hazardous situations.
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