Las Piñas fire leaves 6 dead

MANILA, Philippines - Six members of a family, including an 80-year-old disabled grandmother, were killed while two others were injured in an hour-long fire that gutted a bungalow in Airmen Village, Pulang Lupa Dos, Las Piñas City shortly before dawn yesterday.

Las Piñas Police chief Senior Superintendent Adolfo Samala Jr. identified the fatalities as Anita, Dulce, Aleck Von, Aaron Archer and Duncan Bryan, all surnamed Tiamzon.

Their wheelchair-bound grandmother Segunda Hernandez was the sixth victim recovered during clearing operations.

Bonifacio Tiamzon and his son Ace Von suffered third degree burns and were rushed to a nearby hospital.

Initial police report said the fire broke out at the dirty kitchen at 12:45 a.m. and it rapidly engulfed the house. The bungalow was heavily grilled because the family experienced several burglary incidents in the past. The fire was put under control an hour later.

Samala said the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) is investigating the case.

However, the BFP in Las Piñas refused to give details on the cause of the fire, saying that investigation is still ongoing.

In Pasig City, a fire also hit a residential area, injuring a child.

Initial reports said the fire started at the house along Molave Street and quickly spread to adjacent houses.

Arson investigators said Wilmer Yu is the son of the owner of the house where the fire started at about 2:30 a.m. The child sustained burns in the hand and shoulder and was rushed to a nearby hospital.

The fire reached the second alarm and was put under control around 3 a.m. But two other houses were badly damaged.

Damage to property was placed at P50,000. Arson probers are still investigating the cause of the fire.

‘Use firecrackers properly to avoid fire’

The BFP said six incidents of fire, triggered by mishandling of pyrotechnics, were recorded during the past 20 days. Over a million pesos worth of property were burned.

For this reason, the BFP gave yesterday tips on how to handle fireworks to ensure hassle-free holiday.

BFP officer-in-charge Chief Superintendent Ariel Barayuga said firecrackers must be stored safely and should never be carried in pockets.

“Never try to reignite the fireworks that don’t light in the first instance. Don”t allow small children to handle fireworks and keep them away from it,” he added.

Firecrackers must not be thrown at another person. Even leftover firecrackers must not be thrown into a bonfire. And never light fireworks in metal or glass containers as bystanders may get hit by splinters.

“Never experiment, modify or attempt to make your own fireworks and don’t drink during your fireworks display,” Barayuga added.

He also reminded the public to use firecrackers only outdoors and in a safe place, and to buy firecrackers from authorized/reputed manufacturers only.

“Organize a community display of fireworks rather than individuals handling crackers, don’t ignite fireworks while holding them, and don’t approach immediately the misfired fireworks,” he said. – With Cecille Suerte Felipe, Non Alquitran