By Rob O'Dell, The Arizona Daily Star, Tucson
Nov. 2--The suspected cause of a fire that killed three dogs and two cats in a northwest-side home Saturday night was lighted candles in unattended Halloween jack-o'-lanterns, said a Northwest Fire District spokeswoman.
Spokeswoman Katy Heiden said firefighters believe the jack-o'-lantern candles caused the fire, which burned down the house near West Ina Road and North La Canada Drive. Northwest Fire estimated the damage at $300,000.
The five animals died from smoke inhalation, officials said. There were no people in the house, in the 1200 block of West Giaconda Way.
Neighbors told authorities that the homeowner was out of town when the fire occurred, Heiden said, but firefighters later determined that the homeowners' two adult sons were in Tucson Saturday but were at work when the fire started.
Heiden said the sons carved jack-o'-lanterns and lighted candles in them before going to work so they could be on display for Halloween trick-or-treaters.
Fire investigators believe the jack-o'-lantern candles were the cause, based on where the fire started, Heiden said.
The fire was reported just before 9 p.m. when neighbors called 911 saying there was smoke in the area, said Capt. Adam Goldberg, a Northwest Fire District spokesman. Half of the house was burning when firefighters arrived, Goldberg said.
Heiden said people need to pay attention to lighted candles. "Candles should never be left unattended."
"Someone needs to be in the room with them. If you leave the room, blow the candle out and relight it when you come back in. It's easier than rebuilding."
Contact reporter Rob O'Dell at 573-4346 or rodell@azstarnet.com
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