Mount Vernon Fire Caused By Tipped-Over Candle

MOUNT VERNON, N.Y. – The four fire departments that battled a blaze in Mount Vernon on Monday afternoon were hampered by a lack of water sources after several hydrants on and near the South 12th Avenue residence blew out.

The fire tore through the second floor of this Mount Vernon home.
Photo Credit: *First On Scene Photos*

Firefighters were plagued by a lack of operational hydrants as they fought the fire on Monday.
Photo Credit: *First On Scene Photos*

A family remains displaced from their Mount Vernon home following Monday's fire.
Photo Credit: *First On Scene Photos*

Mount Vernon firefighters were assisted by crews from Eastchester, Pelham Manor and Yonkers.
Photo Credit: *First On Scene Photos*

Zak Failla

02/10/2015 5:30 p.m.

Mount Vernon fire officials confirmed that a candle that was burning on the second floor of the residence toppled into a pile of clothes, igniting a blaze that damaged two homes, took the lives of family pets and displaced a dozen people.

Firefighters from Eastchester, Pelham Manor and Yonkers had to be called in to assist in the two-alarm fire, with one firefighter sustaining an injury to his hand when it was cut on glass.

The fire is still under investigation, as is the cause of the hydrant failures.

Volunteers from the Red Cross were assisting the displaced residents of 13 S. 12th Ave. to find temporary places to stay as crews continue to clean up following the fire, although their neighbors were able to return to their slightly damaged home.

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