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Candle blamed in blaze that killed Versailles man

Candle blamed in blaze that killed Versailles man

A candle probably caused a fire late Thursday that killed a man in Versailles, officials said Friday.

Arthur Periz, 70, died after a fire broke out about 11:15 p.m. Thursday at the Walnut Street home he shared with his son and another relative.

Firefighters from the Versailles Volunteer Fire Department were dispatched to the two-unit home at 11:17 p.m. and arrived to find Mr. Periz’s son, Michael Periz, and another male relative outside, Chief Dave Obley said.

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The pair told firefighters no one else was inside, the chief said. “They had no idea [Arthur Periz] was even home,” he said.

Firefighters searched the house, found Arthur Periz in a second-floor bedroom and tried to resuscitate him, according to Allegheny County officials, who are leading the fire investigation.

Chief Obley said firefighters removed Arthur Periz from the house within 10 minutes of arrival.

The fire began in a second-floor bathroom, and “all indications are pointing to a candle fire,” county spokeswoman Amie Downs said.

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Michael Periz discovered the fire, tried to douse it and was treated at UPMC Mercy for burns on his back, Ms. Downs said.

County officials said the house lacked working smoke detectors.

Chief Obley said a Versailles firefighter injured his elbow when he tripped over a fire hose.

First Published: November 14, 2014, 11:24 a.m.
Updated: November 15, 2014, 4:06 a.m.

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A view of the back of the home on Walnut Street in Versailles where Arthur Periz was killed in a fire believed to have been caused by a candle.  (Darrell Sapp/Post-Gazette)
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