Fire officials are investigating the cause of a blaze that broke out Monday at a multi-unit home on Union Street in LeRoy, Genesee County.
According to the LeRoy Fire Department, four people were inside the house when the fire erupted. Police helped one woman escape, but she was later hospitalized for smoke inhalation.
Investigators say the fire began on the second floor, where a woman attempted to light a cigarette while sitting on her bed using two broken lighters.
Police said the woman confessed to leaving the burning home and taking her mother’s car—despite having a revoked license—to drive to Rochester to buy crack cocaine. She also admitted to using the drug before driving back to LeRoy.
Authorities arrested the woman, who has not been publicly identified, and charged her with reckless endangerment.
All residents displaced by the fire are now receiving support from the American Red Cross.
