A young girl accidentally started a blaze in an Oakhurst housing complex Tuesday night, but now officials say residents may have been at even greater danger because they had removed the all of the smoke detectors.
Officials said the fire started when an 11-year-old girl knocked over a candle in her bedroom while playing video games. There were no injuries.
The State Police Fire Marshal has ruled the blaze accidental However, officials believe that residents removed smoke detectors in the building.
"People decide they don't want to hear that noise," said Patrick Lape, Johnstown Assistant Fire Chief.
Because the residents removed the safety devices, Lape said the housing authority is not responsible for the lack of smoke detectors.
Lape said smoke detectors are removed all too often, and this blaze is a prime example of how serious the consequences can be.
The little girl lost all of her belongings, and fire crews are working with the American Red Cross to help the family.
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