More Than 200 Brave Frigid Temperatures To Honor 10 People Who Died In Missouri Group Home Fire

Tuesday, December 5th 2006, 5:57 am

By: News On 6

ANDERSON, Mo. (AP) -- More than 200 people braved freezing temperatures to honor the victims of a fire that killed 10 people at a southwest Missouri group home for the elderly and mentally ill.

Some victims' relatives held white candles. They joined residents of this city of 1,800 in prayer last night, and sang "Amazing Grace" on a lot next to the rubble of the Anderson Guest House, located in a town south of Joplin and about 20 miles east of Oklahoma.

Twelve white roses were laid at a memorial at the edge of the home's lawn -- a cross wrapped in white Christmas tree lights and hung with wreathes.

Investigators say the fire started in the unfinished attic of the single-story home, possibly caused by faulty wiring.

There were 33 residents and two caretakers in the home when the fire broke out around 1 a.m. on November 27th. About two dozen were injured.