Candle Fire Breaks Out In Santa Rosa Apartment

SANTA ROSA, CA — A fire sparked by unattended candles caused significant smoke damage to a third-floor apartment in Santa Rosa on Friday, forcing the unit to be vacated but leaving no one injured, fire officials said.

Crews from the Santa Rosa Fire Department were dispatched at 4:58 p.m. to a fire alarm at a three-story apartment complex on Range Avenue. The first engine arrived just over five minutes later after a resident reported smelling smoke on the third floor.

Firefighters found heavy smoke coming from one apartment. A second alarm was called, bringing additional crews to the scene. Crews were able to keep the fire in check with extinguishers until hose lines were brought up to fully put it out.

Fire fficials said the fire was brought under control in less than 10 minutes.

Crews also used large fans to vent smoke from the affected unit and checked nearby apartments for fire spread. No extension was found, and smoke damage was limited to the apartment where the fire started.

The resident of the apartment was not home at the time. Fire officials said the damage was significant, and the unit will be uninhabitable until repairs are completed. The apartment manager is working with the resident to arrange temporary housing.

Damage is estimated at about $50,000.