Feature Lead #2

Candles lead to a bigger party than expected.

By: Luis Saldana

Tulsa, Okla.

A 95-year old senior citizen goes out smokin'!

In celebration of a long life, the First United Methodist Church women's group in Tulsa, Okla., threw a birthday bash for senior citizen Mabel McCullough. McCullough, who turned 95 on Sept. 27, was presented with a carrot cake which held 95 candles.

The party was sure to be a blast. One guest, Eddi Carlin was in awe of the fire carrot cake, stating "there wasn't an inch to spare, by the time we had them all lit it looked like a torch." To know surprise to her guests, McCullough blew out the candles with a little help.

The birthday gal and her guests did not know that the smoke from the candles had set off a fire alarm in the building. When the time came to eat, 24 firefighters were standing in the doorway. 

"We had just sat down to eat when we saw them in the doorway." said Carlin. 

As a result of the alarm, five fire engines and two ladder companies had arrived at the building.

The smoking birthday party was amused Fire Chief Lonnie Lamb, who stated "In my 25 years on the job, I've seen a lot things set off a fire alarm, but I don't think I ever hard of one going off because of a birthday cake." The firefighters did not indulge in cake eating, but did pose for photos with the birthday crew.

Even at age 95, Mabel McCullough continues to go out smoking.