AIRMONT, N.Y. — A cat is being blamed for a fire that forced dozens of senior citizens out of their suburban New York apartments.

An 88-year-old man was treated for smoke inhalation after Monday’s fire in Rockland County.

Airmont Fire Inspector Kim Weppler says the cat knocked two candles off a dresser. The flames caught a bed skirt and went up the wall. The fire was contained in that apartment, but several others had smoke and water damage.

The other residents, and the cat, are OK.