SAN ANTONIO — A 79-year-old woman safely escaped her West Side home after firefighters said a lit candle ignited a house fire.
Firefighters were called around 2:52 p.m. Sunday to the 400 block of Balboa Avenue.
Crews on scene said the elderly female homeowner lit a candle about 30 minutes prior and went to take a shower when she started smelling smoke. The woman was able to safely escape out the back of the house.
The woman’s dog, a small terrier, was found deceased in the home. Firefighters are helping the woman bury her pet in the backyard.
About half the home sustained significant smoke and structural damage. We’re told the woman declined Red Cross assistance and will stay with a family member.