A single mother was trying to turn her life around and, just as she was getting back on her feet, a house fire destroyed almost everything she worked for.
When firefighters arrived on scene, they realized one half of the duplex didn't have any power. Once inside, they determined a candle in one of the kids' bedrooms played a major role in the overnight fire. The unit is now off limits.
"We lost everything, me and my kids, everything," said Katresa Howard.
Howard can't believe what has happened to her. The single mother of two moved into a duplex on Willow Bend Boulevard last week. Thanks to a small scented candle that sparked an early morning fire, once again she'll have to find another place to live.
"It was sitting on a wood dresser, like, you know, a dresser with they clothes in it. It was wood and it just got out of control. I just couldn't stop it," Howard said.
The candle was on the dresser because Orlando Utilities Commission disconnected power to the unit Monday for non-payment from the previous renter. Howard apparently failed to open an account in her name.
"Don't want to talk about all that," she said.
As a result, the city declared her unit uninhabitable and sent in a crew to board up all the windows. Despite that she's left with only the clothes on her back, Howard had no trouble talking about the light at the end of the tunnel.
"I got my life. I don't care. You start all over again. You don't let one down fall knock you down. You learn from something, know what I'm saying?" Howard said.
Howard declined to accept assistance from the American Red Cross. She said she planned to stay with her mother until she could get back on her feet.
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