LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte — A residential fire injured two elderly women after it broke out at the Albano residence in Barangay 6, Laoag City at around 7:30 a.m. Monday.

Quick response from the Laoag City Police Station (CPS), Bureau of Fire Protection Laoag, Fariñas Fire and Rescue Team and DPS Laoag Paramedics helped contain the fire and rescue the victims.

The residents were identified as Yvonne Gironella Albano, 75, and her sister Elizabeth Coloma Albano, 67, both single. According to the initial investigation, Yvonne heard Elizabeth shouting for help from her bedroom on the second floor. When Yvonne rushed to check, she discovered that the southern portion of their mostly wooden home was already on fire.

Nearby residents immediately assisted in rescuing the sisters and called for emergency support. Responding authorities arrived promptly, and the fire was declared out by 8:25 a.m. The incident was classified as a first alarm.

Yvonne sustained first-degree burns on her back, left shoulder and both hands. Elizabeth also suffered first-degree burns on her index finger, shoulder and back. Both were rushed to Governor Roque B. Ablan Sr. Memorial Hospital for medical treatment and are now recovering.

The Bureau of Fire Protection is currently investigating the cause of the fire and the estimated cost of damage.