Fire department: Candles caused blaze that wounded baby, killed dog in SE Baltimore

BALTIMORE (WBFF) – Open flames from candles caused the fire last week in Southeast Baltimore that left an eight-month-old baby injured and killed a family dog, fire department investigators have determined.

The baby injured in that fire on Gough Street near Quinton Street on Monday, Aug. 15, was still listed in critical condition five days after the incident, according to a Monday release from the Baltimore City Fire Department.

One week ago, fire department units responded to a reported house fire with people trapped at that location in Southeast Baltimore. At the scene, units learned the baby was trapped in the home, and upon entry, discovered the baby in a bedroom lying next to a family dog.

The dog was pronounced dead at the scene. He was reported to have shielded the infant during the fire.

The baby was rescued from the home and taken to an area hospital, where it remained in critical condition as of Friday, the department said.

According to investigators, candles were being used that night after a thunderstorm knocked out the neighborhood’s power.

The fire department has reminded city residents to avoid leaving open fires unattended when using candles or while cooking. A battery-operated flashlight and a radio should be used in case of a power outage or other emergencies, the department said.