Investigators determined burning candles caused a Normal house fire that led to a 13-year-old boy's death last month.
A statement issued Wednesday by the Normal Fire Department said the Nov. 2 fire in the Northmeadow Village manufactured home park was an accident, ignited when combustible materials near burning candles caught fire.
One resident escaped the fast-moving fire uninjured and called 911 from a neighbor's home. Edder Diaz was found unresponsive by firefighters in a bedroom. Diaz arrived at the hospital in critical condition and died a week later.
“Our hearts remain with this family as they continue to grieve an unimaginable loss,” Normal Fire Chief Mick Humer said in a statement. “This tragedy reminds us how vulnerable our homes can be to open flames and how important it is to use candles with great care, especially during this time of year.”
The department encouraged residents to avoid leaving flames unattended, consider battery-operated alternatives and keep candles at least 3 feet away from anything that can burn.
Town of Normal residents can request free smoke alarm installation online.
