Man dies while wife injured after house razed by fire in Itogon, Benguet

Itogon, Beguet – A day after Christmas, a fire incident occurred in Sitio Bay-o, Tuding, Itogon, Benguet, resulting in the death of a husband while his wife was left injured.

In his interview with the DZWT 540 AM—Radyo Totoo, BFP Itogon Fire Officer II Brian Esteban said the victim, Felino Balalong Sr., was cooking using an electric stove while his wife was asleep when the fire incident transpired in the early morning of Thursday, December 26, 2024.

While Balalong was cooking, a fire suddenly blazed their kitchen. He then immediately woke his wife, assisted her to a safe place, and returned to extinguish the fire.

Unfortunately, he was stuck inside due to the rapid spread of the flames. Balolong was unfortunately burned alive.

His wife, whom he saved, suffered a first-degree burn and is now being treated at the hospital.

Fire Officer II Esteban further relayed that the fire was declared out at 3:15 a.m. while the cause of the blaze is still being confirmed.

Esteban appealed to kind-hearted individuals and groups to coordinate with the barangay for any form of assistance to the victims.

Meanwhile, Mayor Bernard Waclin initiated initial aid to the victims through the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office and the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office.