By Wendy Anders

Early this morning firefighters reported putting out a fire caused by a candle in San Rafael, Alajuela that ravaged 11 poor homes and displaced 45 people.

The Benemérito Cuerpo de Bomberos de Costa Rica on their Facebook site responded to comments throughout the morning in response to the news. One woman inquiring about any pets that had been lost or hurt in the conflagration was happy to learn that no animals had been affected.

The firefighters said that they were able to save 749 of the 1,089-square meter area that they said was under threat from the fire.

They identified a lit candle in an elderly woman’s bedroom as the source of the fire. Candles are a major source of fires in Costa Rica, according to the firefighters.