9 Springfield Residents Displaced After Candle Starts Fire

SPRINGFIELD, VA—Nine people are displaced from a Springfield apartment building after a candle started a fire Tuesday, April 30.

Fairfax County Fire and Rescue responded to the building in the 7000 block of Skyles Way around 9 p.m. A second alarm was requested after units found fire showing from the second floor. Units from Alexandria and Fort Belvoir assisted to get the fire under control and contain it to one apartment.

One resident was home when he awoke to the smoke alarm sounding. He evacuated and alerted other residents by activating the building fire alarm. One person went to the hospital for an evaluation.

The cause of the fire was an unattended candle in a bedroom. Damages are estimated to be $93,750. The displaced residents have accepted Red Cross assistance.

The fire department released the following safety tips for candles after the fire:

• Never leave burning candles unattended
• Keep all combustible materials away from open flames
• Do not burn candles near windows or doorways
• Place candles in glass or ceramic containers
• Place candles on a flat, sturdy non-combustible surface
• Never leave candles burning when children or pets are present