Illinois Homeless Man Throws Candle At Raccoon— Accidentally Starts House Fire

A weird series of events involving a candle, a raccoon, and a burning mop led to a structure fire at a vacant Quincy, IL, residence early Tuesday morning. Authorities were called to 828 North Sixth Street around 1 a.m. on April 8, 2025, to battle the blaze.

Homeless Man Attempts to Scare Raccoon, Sparks Fire Instead

Quincy Police and Fire Department officials arrived to find the vacant home engulfed in flames. Upon investigation, detectives determined there were no natural causes for the fire since all utilities had been shut off. A homeless man who had been staying on the enclosed back porch admitted to unintentionally starting the fire.

According to police, the man had lit a candle for warmth when a raccoon wandered onto the porch. In an attempt to scare the animal away, he threw the candle at the raccoon. Instead of fleeing, the raccoon remained, and the candle ignited a nearby mop. In a desperate move, the man grabbed the burning mop and tried again to chase off the raccoon—only to spread the flames further.

Fire Quickly Spreads Beyond Control

As the flames climbed to the ceiling and spread throughout the home, the man made efforts to extinguish the fire but was unsuccessful. Realizing the severity of the situation, he ran to alert neighbors, who then called emergency responders.

Investigation Underway, Safety Concerns Highlighted

Detectives interviewed the man and later released him. Reports have been forwarded to the Adams County State’s Attorney’s Office for further review. Authorities confirmed that the property owner was aware of the man using the porch as shelter.

Officials warn that fires in abandoned structures pose a significant threat—not just to those inside, but also to nearby homes, businesses, and first responders.

Get our free mobile app

Remember This Story?

Speaking of Quincy and Raccoons, remember last year when this man was arrested for setting a raccoon on fire? Police arrested Andrew Chieu of Quincy, MA, on an animal cruelty charge. The raccoon survived and was treated at the New England Wildlife Center.