An unattended lighted candle is believed to have triggered fire at a residence in Brgy. Alijis, Bacolod City, at around 9 p.m. Wednesday that killed a retired teacher.

Arson investigator Senior Fire Officer 2 Harry Fernandez yesterday identified the casualty as Florenda Rios Lastimoso, 74, of Block 6 Lot 6 DC3 Regent Pearl Homes Subdivision in Brgy. Alijis and a retired teacher of the Domingo Lacson National High School.

Lastimoso was rushed to the Bacolod Adventist Medical Center where she died due to hypovelmic shock, secondary to severe burns, while being treated, Fernandez said.

Fire fighters from the City’s fire bureau and volunteers from the Amity and Chamber fire brigades put the fire out at about 9:35 p.m. and an estimated damage to properties at P100,000.

Investigation showed that the fire originated at the room of Lastimoso where she was using a candle to light her place since her electricity had been cut off.

Neneng Cordero, her neighbor, said the retired teacher had been living alone since her children live in Manila and abroad. He said that Lastimoso’s relatives only visit her every weekend.

The city’s fire bureau reminded the public again not to leave lighted candles and kerosene lamps unattended to avoid fire incidents.

Records from the BFP show that there have been 133 fire incidents recorded in the city from January to April of this year, and only 115 in the same period last year.*APN

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