Candle Cited As Cause Of Fatal Versailles Fire

MCKEESPORT, Pa. (AP) - Authorities in western Pennsylvania say a fire that killed an elderly man and injured the victim's son and a firefighter was probably started by a candle.

The blaze was reported at about 11:15 p.m. Thursday at a home in the Pittsburgh suburb of Versailles.

Firefighters from the volunteer fire department found the body of 70-year-old Arthur Periz while searching the residence.

Fire chief Dave Obley said a firefighter injured his elbow when he tripped over a hose, and Periz's son was taken to UPMC for treatment of burns.

County spokeswoman Amie Downs told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that the fire began in a second-floor bathroom, and "all indications are pointing to a candle fire."

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