Florida Home, Without Electricity After Hurricane Charley, Burns Down Due to Unattended Candles
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (AP) -- Unattended candles burned down a house left without electricity after Hurricane Charley, killing most of the 21 animals inside and injuring the 70-year-old woman who tried to rescue them from the fire.
Liz O'Rourke, of Daytona Beach, was hospitalized Wednesday with burns to her hands, arms and back.
She said she left candles burning in the living room and bathroom when she stepped out to her air-conditioned car to get relief from the heat. Daytona Beach fire investigators blamed an unattended candle for the fire.
Also left in the house were her dog, Maxine, and 20 cats. O'Rourke is a member of the United Humanitarians animal rescue organization and 10 of the cats were orphans getting ready for adoption.
Most of the animals died in the blaze, which left O'Rourke homeless.
``I can't get this message out quickly enough - candles are dangerous,'' said Daytona Beach Fire Lt. John King.
Hurricane Charley caused widespread power outages - more than 400,000 people remained without power Wednesday - but fire officials warned against using ornamental candles.
``The glass sometimes shatters and hot wax and fire sometimes end up near other combustible materials such as newspapers, magazines, curtains or towels,'' King said. He recommended using battery-powered flashlights or lamps.
Related:
