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Tail on fire: cat blamed for blaze which gutted home

Candle was left burning in bedroom, knocked over by feline; former rest home destroyed by flames

By WFIW Radio

FAIRFIELD, Ill. — Fire gutted the former Shady Lane Christian Rest Home at the north edge of Fairfield Sunday afternoon.

Owner Larry Taylor said his 14-year-old granddaughter, Olivia Mayes, was in a downstairs bedroom when she saw her cat knock over a candle.

“She said the cat’s tail caught fire and he took off running across the room,” Taylor said. “Olivia tried to throw some water on the fire, but it just seemed to make it spread.”

Full Story: Cat blamed for fire