By Jen Baylon

A 15-year-old boy died in a fire at Barangay Blumentritt in Negros Occidental’s Murcia town early Saturday morning, February 17.

Senior Fire Officer Reymar Banaglorioso, Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) arson investigator, said Clarence Hechanova’s remains were found in the comfort room at 2:22 a.m.

An initial investigation revealed that the blaze, started in Hechanova’s residence at Hacienda Josefa Una, may have been caused by an unattended lighted candle.

Hechanova and his grandfather, Justiniano Fernandez, evacuated from their home while their house was on fire.

However, Clarence went back inside to retrieve his wallet and cellphone, but he did not make it out of the burning house, the BFP said.

The fire spread to four houses — three of which were destroyed, and one damaged.

The blaze left an estimated P300,000 worth of damage.

Banaglorioso emphasized the importance of ensuring safety at homes, by securing appliances and unplugging electrical devices when not in use.

“Siguraduhon gid permi ang aton panimalay especially kung maglakat kita nga wala sang tawo. I-secure ang mga appliances, panggabuton gid ang mga nakasaksak, siguraduhon nga wala may nagkarabilin. Kung galuto kita, indi naton pagpabay-an. Kag kung maggamit kita kandila, siguraduhon gid nga nakabutang sang insakto, kag na-secure gid,” he said./JB, WDJ