Fire That Killed 2 In Mpls. Ruled Accidental

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Minneapolis fire officials said Tuesday the cause of a blaze that killed two women last month was accidental.

The Minneapolis Arson Unit determined the fire originated in a first-floor bedroom and was most likely started by a lighted candle. Firefighters were dispatched to the house Dec. 12. Three people were rescued from the roof of a porch. Another resident had escaped the fire and was found at a neighbor's home.

Seventy-eight-year-old Mary Frances and 45-year-old Shelley Bryant died in the fire.

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