TACLOBAN CITY — An elderly farmer was killed after being trapped in a grass fire that swept through a farmland area in Barangay Liberty, Ormoc City on Sunday afternoon, April 19.
Authorities identified the victim as “Lydia,” also known as alias Anita, 75 years old, a resident of Sitio Barukan in the said barangay.
Initial investigation by local authorities showed that the fire started around 2:30 p.m. while the victim was reportedly clearing or burning dried grass and farm debris in her farm. The flames quickly spread across the area due to dry conditions and wind.
Witnesses said the elderly farmer was unable to escape as the fire intensified, likely due to her age and limited mobility.
The fire was declared under control at around 5:40 p.m. after sweeping through portions of the rural area.
The Bureau of Fire Protection Ormoc City office said the incident was reported late, with firefighters only alerted at about 5:15 p.m. by a concerned resident. Responders arrived when the blaze had already subsided and later discovered the victim’s remains at the scene.
Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) were called in to process the area and assist in the investigation. The victim’s remains were brought to a local funeral facility.
Authorities are still determining the exact cause of the fire and are not ruling out all possibilities, including accidental ignition or other contributing factors.
Fire officials also reminded the public to immediately report grass or forest fires, especially in remote communities, to prevent similar fatalities.
(JUSTIN CARL SABILLO, LNU STUDENT INTERN)
