Residents Escape House Fire After Candle Sets Attic Ablaze

SANTA CRUZ, CA — Firefighters from throughout Santa Cruz County spent hours battling down a blaze at a single-family home in the 130 block of Vista Branciforte that is thought to have ignited Friday evening after a candle fell over in a bedroom.

There were no injuries reported, but the house was seriously damaged and red-tagged due to damage to the attic and roof of the Santa Cruz home, said Santa Cruz Fire Department Division Chief Rob Oatey. Three of the four residents were home at the time and escaped after hearing things fall over inside and smoke detectors sound.

The residents were displaced and are staying with family members in the area, Oatey said.

Investigators determined the fire started in a bedroom on the southeast corner of the home after a candle fell onto a mattress or bed. The fire spread quickly due to the age of the home, Oatey said.

Flames crept up into the attic, then across the length of the home. Two rooms, the attic and roof were heavily damaged, he said.

Firefighters with the Scotts Valley Fire Department and Central Fire Protection District assisted Santa Cruz firefighters. Officials remained on scene until about midnight and returned the next day to investigate, Oatey said.

The fire was ruled an accident.

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