Oct 9, 2008 6:34 pm US/Eastern
N.Y. Family Devastated By Blaze After Losing Power
MIDDLETOWN, N.Y. (CBS) ―
A family in Orange County suffered a terrible fire when they lit a lantern after their power was cut off for non-payment.
Frank Pedro's father, mother and brother George were horribly burned in the blaze just hours after electric service to their home was cut off.
"We're very afraid during these tough times," said Assistant Fire Chief Louis Morse. He fears this tragedy will be repeated as more families fall behind on utility bills and turn to other ways to heat and light their homes.
Neighbor Xavier Felix saw 70-year old Joe Pedro run outside in a panic.
Wednesday night the Pedros mistakenly put camp stove fuel, known as white gas, into an old kerosene lantern, causing a fiery explosion. Two Middletown cops were nearby and bravely rushed into the burning kitchen to save the victims.
In some ways the family is victim of tough economic times. CBS 2HD has learned Joe and Maria Pedro struggled by on $900 a month. Wednesday was the third time their power had been cut off. They had fallen $2000 behind on payments to Orange and Rockland Utilities.
The utility said when it sends a cut-off notice it includes a safety brochure, warning customers to take all necessary precautions if they decide to use lanterns or camp stoves.
Frank Pedro told CBS 2HD he did what he could to help his parents, paying their mortgage and fixing up the house, hoping they could sell it.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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