Fire at Plum church started by candle, ruled accidental

One person was taken to a hospital with smoke inhalation from a fire Sunday night at a church in Plum, a spokeswoman for the Allegheny County Department of Emergency Services said Monday.

The fire at St. Januarius on Renton Road was reported around 9:15 p.m.

Investigators believe the fire was started by an unattended candle on a wreath following a meeting in the church’s basement recreation area, emergency services spokeswoman Kasey Reigner said. It was ruled accidental.

There was no damage to the building other than smoke, Renton fire Chief Cary Cole said.

The Diocese of Pittsburgh announced in August that St. Januarius would close on Sept. 23. Representatives of the diocese and Holy Family Parish could not be reached for comment.