A CHILD who was playing with improvised lighter caused the fire that killed his elder brother and one-year-old sister in Purok Riverside, Barangay Banago, Bacolod City Monday afternoon, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) said.
Five-year-old Rofil James de la Cruz, who had cerebral palsy, and his one-year- old sister Jaylin de la Cruz were burned to death when the fire broke out inside their house.
Chief Inspector Bartolome Beliran, city fire marshal, said the children’s mother, Alma, testified that her three-year-old son Alexis was playing with improvised lighter before the incident.
The fire started at the bedroom located at the northeast portion of the house of Rofil de la Cruz.
The mother said they were sleeping when the fire started, and Alexis woke her up when their house was already on fire. She was able to rescue Alexis only.
Beliran said the bodies of the two children were beyond recognition.
The fire also reached the house of De la Cruz’ neighbor Jeffrey Ilanggos.
Beliran reiterated his reminder to the public to keep matches and lighters away from children, and check areas under the bed, and closets for burned matches as these can show evidence that a child may be playing with fire.(MAP)