A SEXAGENARIAN teacher and three siblings were killed in separate fires that hit Gapan City, Nueva Ecija and Maria Aurora, Aurora.

The teacher, identified as Anatalia Gutierrez, 64, single, of Bgy. Parcutela, Gapan City, was burned beyond recognition when trapped inside her house last Monday night.

City police chief Supt. Samuel L. Sevilla said the fire broke out at around 6:30 p.m. at the victim’s room where a rechargeable lamp was left unattended overheated.

Sevilla said his men rushed to the area after being alerted by a telephone call from a concerned citizen at 8:30 p.m.

Police and firefighters, however, found the fire already contained while the victim’s body was recovered inside her room.

Damage to property initially placed at P600,000.

In Aurora, three brothers also died in a fire that hit their home in Purok Gumanito, Bgy. Quirino, Maria Aurora, Monday at 9 p.m..

Probers said Ejay Pontana, 4, and his brothers Rean, 1, and Ian, 3, sustained severe burns after they were trapped inside their house.

Investigators said a gas lamp overturned, exploded and started the fire.

“Nakipaglamay daw ’yung mga magulang ng mga bata nang mangyari ang sunog. Patay na ang mga bata nang dumating sila,” witnesses said.

Residents tried but failed to rescue the victims because the fire was already big.

Meanwhile, Dilasag Mayor Vic Briones yesterday urged Gov. Bellaflor Angara-Castillo to buy a fire truck.

Briones said that last month, a lightning hit the public market, triggering a fire.

Due to lack of a fire truck, Casiguran and Dinalungan were able to respond, Briones added.