A 50-year-old bedridden woman died after being trapped inside a burning house in Barangay 145, Bagong Barrio, Caloocan City on Thursday night, May 14.

According to the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), the victim was unable to get out of her room as the fire rapidly spread.

Relatives told authorities they heard the woman crying for help during the incident but were unable to rescue her.

In an initial investigation, authorities are considering an unattended candle as the possible cause of the fire, although the investigation is still ongoing.

Residents said the area experienced an almost two-hour rotational brownout before the fire broke out.

The fire started at around 10:19 p.m. and reached second alarm at around 10:39 p.m.

The blaze was declared extinguished at around 11:20 p.m.

Barangay officials said around 30 families were affected by the fire, while six to 10 houses were damaged.

BFP Caloocan City Fire Marshal Fire Superintendent Jacky Ngina reminded the public to be cautious when using candles during power interruptions.

As of this writing, the Caloocan City government has extended initial assistance to affected residents, some of whom are temporarily staying at the barangay hall and with their relatives.