P2M house burned in Balbalan Kalinga

By Geraldine G. Dumallig

BALBALAN, Kalinga – Fire at Barangay Poblacion here recently razed to the ground a residential house owned by Jessie M. Realce, 75, a widower.

Damage was estimated at P2 million pesos, that included a bakery owned by the owner’s daughter, police reports said.

According to investigation report of SPO1 David Tangdol of Balbalan police, the fire was caused by candle lighted as customarily done by the family during the evening, but members forgot to put it out before going to bed.

Neighbors tried to put off the flame that started around 11 p.m. but failed.

They however succeeded in helping family members to get outside to safety and even saved some of their belongings.

Sources said this was the most destructive fire incident in the locality for several years.

With this incident, personnel from the Bureau of Fire and Protection Kalinga urged the public to maintain fire prevention measures all the time to include shutting off  gas stove tanks, unplugging unused electric appliances, and not leaving a lighted candle before going to bed or leaving the house.