1 Cat Perished in Saturday’s Fire That Started by a Candle

The cause of Saturday’s apartment fire was burning candle, said Fire Marshal Brian Charlesworth, but further details are not being released until tomorrow at the earliest.

While there were no human fatalities because the fire department rescued a total of seven people from the inferno, one cat was killed in the blaze, Battalion Chief Joe Hoffman said.

Four cats were located and provided shelter at, which is working with the cats’ owners. A few animals Hoffman said.

About $450,000 in contents were lost in the fire and $800,000 in building damage was reported, Hoffman said.

There were 37 people on leases for the 30-unit apartment building, but that number does not include children or other people who were on the lease. The American Red Cross has placed at least 26 residents in temporary shelter, Hoffman said.

Firefighters are always disappointed when it can’t contain the fire to limit the damage, Hoffman said. Saturday’s fire proved it necessary to rescue the people.

While the fire department was busy rescuing people from the burning building, they also were trying to account for people who may or may not have been in the fire. Hoffman said at least one person who was trapped called 911 to received help.

“Our No. 1 focus is always lives before property,” Hoffman said. “….We are happy that there was no loss of life in this.”