Local News in Brief : Donation Fund for Fire Victims
Hawthorne High School is collecting clothes and cash contributions for Vernicia Bolts, a senior at the school, and her family, who were victims of a house fire ignited by candles they lighted after their electricity was cut off.
Vernicia’s sister, Tammy Tiggs, 9, was killed in the fire. Her brother Antwon Tiggs, 12, is in critical condition at Children’s Hospital in Los Angeles.
Vernicia, 17, escaped the fire, and her mother, LaVerne Williams, was away at the time. Both are staying with friends in Pomona.
The family’s power was turned off for non-payment of bills, and the three children burned candles for light. Fire inspectors believe one of the candles ignited a couch or carpet after the children went to sleep.
High school counselor Bob Kyllonen has asked for donations of clothing for the family, and the student store has set up an account for them, the Vernicia Bolts Fund. For more information, call 970-1509.
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