The fire that nearly claimed the life of an elderly woman has been determined to be accidental, Greater Sudbury Police said this morning.
Originally thought to be suspicious, the fire on Howey Drive, which was investigated by both Greater Sudbury Police and the Office of the Fire Marshall, is being blamed on a lit candle.
"Greater Sudbury Police investigators have determined that the fire at the residence on Howey Drive was accidental," a police press release states. "A lit candle had been blown over by the wind through an open window. The flame quickly reached nearby curtains causing the fire to spread."
The homeowner, Mary Labuz, who turned 83 this week, spoke to Sudbury.com yesterday. She and her son, John, (who acted as her translator as Poland-born Labuz speaks little English) were extremely grateful for the assistance of bystanders who, upon noticing the fire, forced open her door to rescue her.
Labuz was asleep at the time of the fire.
"We'd just like to thank all the people that helped," John Labuz said.
"(My) neighbours (are) very good, very good," Labuz herself said.
Comments on Sudbury.com were flooded with encouraging words for the 83-year-old, whose massive flower garden at the side of her house, where she's lived for 50 years, is a point of pride both for Labuz and her neighbours, many of whom commented on the story to offer supporting words and mention her beautiful garden.
Damage to the home is now being assessed and the clean up is just beginning.
Two doors will need to be replaced, the smoke-damaged walls will need repairs, the air needs to be scrubbed and every piece of fabric in the home — from clothing to curtains — will need to be washed.
In the news release it issued, GSPS reminded people to ensure their homes are equipped with smoke detectors and advised everyone to have an emergency evacuation plan in place in case of emergency.
