• RICHARD T. CABALLERO JR.
An extension cord connected to allegedly defective Christmas lights sparked a residential fire at around 7:45 p.m. on Saturday at Purok 1, Barangay Cabadiangan, Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental.
The house was owned by a 39-year-old female.
Investigation by the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) said that while the owner was near her sari-sari store, she was informed by her neighbor that smoke was emanating from her house.
She immediately went home and, upon entering the house, observed a fire originating from the kitchen area and spreading inside the house. Nearby residents assisted in extinguishing the fire.
She further stated with the authorities that the fire allegedly originated from an extension wire in the kitchen area connected to Christmas lights.
Firefighters disclosed that the fire left P675,000 in damage.
Meanwhile, the Negros Occidental Provincial Police Office (NOCPPO) and the BFP Negros Occidental has urged the public to buy and use only electric Christmas decorations that were approved by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to ensure that they have met safety and precautionary standards.*
