Sibulan: A 7-year-old girl was injured following a fire of unknown origin that destroyed two houses and several motor vehicles in Sibulan, Negros Oriental, on Thursday, New Year's Day. The incident was reported to have occurred at around 3:55 a.m. in a compound located in Barangay Cangmating, according to Capt. Stephen Polinar, spokesperson of the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office (NOrPPO).

According to Philippines News Agency, initial investigations indicate that the fire also led to the destruction of three motorcycles and a four-wheeled vehicle. The cause of the fire remains undetermined, although Capt. Polinar mentioned that it was premature to conclude if Christmas lights left on by homeowners were responsible. The injured girl was taken to a hospital after suffering burns on her shoulder.

Capt. Polinar stated that no other fire incidents related to the Christmas and New Year celebrations have been reported in the province so far. However, police are in the process of collecting data on firecracker-related injuries across Negros Oriental. Minor injuries from firecrackers were reported in Mabinay and Canlaon City. Polinar also noted that police data on firecracker-related injuries might differ from those recorded by the Department of Health, which is the primary agency tasked with documenting such incidents.