Sexagenarian dies in fire

A 64-year-old woman was killed as her house burned down before dawn yesterday in Payatas, Quezon City.

Initial reports identified the woman as Valeriana Sanchez, who was reportedly asleep when the fire broke out in her house at Phase 4, Payatas Area-B.

Fire Officer 1 Michael Sarmiento said the fire, which reached first alarm, began at 2:26 a.m. and was put out 34 minutes later.

Investigators are looking deeper into the incident to determine the exact cause of the fire.

On Friday, fire razed more than 50 homes, also in Payatas, that was allegedly caused by a couple throwing a kerosene lamp during an argument. – Katherine Adraneda