Connecticut Boy Improves After Halloween Costume Fire

NEWTOWN, Conn. (AP) -- A 7-year-old boy who was burned when his costume caught on fire on Halloween is getting better.

Cary DeYoung was in Bridgeport Hospital Wednesday, listed in stable condition with third-degree burns on his face, head and hands.

The boy was wearing a black flowing costume based on the Ring Wraith characters in ``The Lord of the Rings'' movies when he came in contact with the flame of a neighbor's pumpkin-shaped candle. Newtown police said the costume burst into flames.

The neighbor, Richard Reyes, who tore the costume off the boy, was released from the hospital Monday after being treated for third-degree burns to his hands.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, an independent federal regulatory agency, is investigating whether the costume met federal flammability standards.

John Clausen, general manager of Rubie's Costume Co. of Queens, N.Y., which made the costume, said the Ring Wraith costume passed testing before it was introduced three years ago. There was also a tag on the polyester costume warning to keep away from open flames, he said.

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