06.44 pm, Friday May 25 2012

Whitney Houston candle tribute causes fire

07:39 AEDT Thu Feb 16 2012
VIEWS: 0
| FLOCKS: 0
| comments0 comments so far
Whitney Houston. (AAP)
Whitney Houston. (AAP)

Also on
Pants downBear attacks man on toilet BreakthroughArrest in missing boy case Wedding hitGroom 'punches above his weight' Hugging dadPhotos released in custody battle confessionKelly cites Scientology bunny timeKate Upton hits the bikini beach

A "devastated" Whitney Houston fan suffered a double-blow after setting her house on fire in a candle-lit vigil for the star.

Anne Lomax had been playing the singer's records and saying prayers then lit a candle in Houston's memory before going to bed.

But the curtains then caught fire from a candle flame and the blaze quickly spread to the TV and electrics in the property.

Ms Lomax, 53, was woken by her smoke alarms as the fire service raced to the property.

She managed to escape unscathed along with her three dogs while firemen put out the blaze, but the living room of her semi-detached house, in Hodge Clough Road, Oldham, Greater Manchester, was destroyed.

Ms Lomax said: "I had been sitting at the computer playing some music and saying a prayer for Whitney Houston.

"I was a big fan and I was just devastated when she died so I thought I'd light a candle.

"I thought I had blown it out when I went up to bed but the next thing I knew the smoke alarms were going off.

"I dread to think what would have happened if I didn't have smoke alarms. I could have died.

"I really thought I'd blown it out, I can't believe the damage it has caused. It's devastating."

Greater Manchester Fire Authority chairman David Acton said: "Candle safety is so important. Never leave candles unattended, whether you're using them to decorate your home or as a religious symbol, they can be dangerous."

Video: Houston's last time onstage
Video: Houston socialises week before death
Photos: Whitney Houston dies aged 48
Read more: Whitney Houston found dead
Photos: Whitney Houston music videos

 

Most popular

 Alleged child prostitute 'feared mistress'A 12-year-old girl allegedly involved in a Sydney child prostitution ring worried about getting into trouble if she didn't provide sex, a court has heard.
 Skye's death was not in vain, her dad saysAs Skye Sassine's killer is sentenced to at least 14 years imprisonment, her parents say Skye's Law means the toddler's death was not in vain.
 Corby worse than a terrorist: judgeThe chief justice of Indonesia's Constitutional Court has criticised the Schapelle Corby clemency decision, saying drug crimes are worse than terrorism.
 Qld woman sues over gravy slipA Queensland woman is suing a bowls club after slipping on spilled gravy and dislocating her knee.
 Heavy winds to hit rain-soaked MelbourneMelbourne has copped a drenching and while the worst of the wet has happened, the city's bay areas will be hit by gale force winds.
 Another big rattle for ChristchurchA 5.2 earthquake has struck Christchurch but early reports suggest it has not caused any major damage or injury.
 Groom's wedding song has audience in stitches

He admits to punching above his weight and drooling in bed but a UK groom has become an internet hit with a self-depreciating wedding song he penned for his bride.

 Abusive email man in contemptA man has been found in contempt of court over an expletive-ridden email to a Victorian Supreme Court judge threatening violence against another man.
 Dying man finds support on World of WarcraftIn the game of World of Warcraft, Patrice Anseline is a level 85 Blood Elf Death Knight called Sackmagraph, of the Dath'Remar Horde’s Hydra guild.
 Man says he suffocated missing NY boy

A man has told New York police he suffocated a long-missing six-year-old boy, in a possible break in a crime that helped launch a missing children's movement across the United States.

Be our fan on Facebook
Most Recommended
You need the latest version of Flash Player.
Enjoy the most vivid content on the web
Watch video without extra features
Interact with applications on your favourite sites
Upgrade now

page complete