Fatal Fire in Bacolod Linked to Unattended Candle
BACOLOD CITY – A tragic fire incident in Purok Active, Barangay Mandalagan, led to the death of a one-year-old girl and injured her six-year-old sister on the night of May 24. The fire, caused by an unattended lighted candle, destroyed their home and deeply affected the family.
According to local community leaders, the children’s teenage siblings had left the younger girls alone with a candle placed on a plastic storage cabinet after their solar lamp failed to charge due to heavy rain. Meanwhile, their mother was away working, and the older siblings attended a local fiesta.
Details of the Incident and Injuries
Around 11:32 p.m., the unattended candle ignited the fire that quickly engulfed the house. Neighbors responded promptly, organizing a bucket relay to extinguish the flames, and declared the fire out by 11:37 p.m. Despite their efforts, the house was completely destroyed, with property damage estimated at ₱4,000.
The six-year-old sister suffered burns on both arms and her upper back, as well as minor burns on her forehead and nose. She is currently recovering in a hospital.
Previous Fire Incidents and Safety Reminder
This heartbreaking event marks the second fire-related tragedy in Bacolod within days. Earlier, on May 20, two siblings aged six and eight died in a fire in Purok Lison, Barangay 1, also triggered by a lighted candle during a power outage.
Authorities and community representatives have since urged the public to avoid leaving children or homes unattended with lit candles to prevent similar tragedies. They emphasize the importance of proper fire safety, especially during power interruptions or when alternative lighting is needed.
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