By Jim Hannah
The Cincinnati Enquirer

DAYTON, Ky. - A candle likely caused a blaze that killed a 75-year-old woman last Friday.

Investigators from the Bellevue-Dayton Fire Department, State Fire Marshal's Office and insurance investigators ruled out arson, electrical and mechanical causes.

"It is the opinion of fire investigators that the fire originated in debris stored at the first floor entrance of the residence, between the front door and the staircase to the second floor," said Fire Chief Denny Lynn.

"The most probable cause of ignition was a lit candle that came in contact with combustible material."

Jean Webb was found dead 10 to 15 feet from the front door of her house at 930 Thornton Ave. Firefighters said the clutter in the home likely hampered her as she tried to escape. The back door was blocked by mail, newspapers and other debris, officials said.

It was the first fatal fire in Dayton since an arsonist set an apartment building on fire at Sixth and O'Fallon avenues in January 1988. The last fatal fire in Bellevue was in August 1988.

Dayton and Bellevue merged their fire departments in July 2002.

E-mail jhannah@enquirer.com