Candle caused fire that killed man, injured others, officials say
Posted: November 16, 2014 - 4:30am
MCKEESPORT, Pa. (AP) -- Authorities in western Pennsylvania say a fire that killed an elderly man and injured the victim's son and a firefighter was probably started by a candle.
The blaze was reported at about 11:15 p.m. Thursday at a home in the Pittsburgh suburb of Versailles (Vehr-SAYLES').
Firefighters from the volunteer fire department found the body of 70-year-old Arthur Periz while searching the residence.
Fire chief Dave Obley said a firefighter injured his elbow when he tripped over a hose, and Periz's son was taken to UPMC for treatment of burns.
County spokeswoman Amie Downs told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that the fire began in a second-floor bathroom, and "all indications are pointing to a candle fire."