Woman Suffers Life-Threatening Burns After Candle Ignites Her Clothes

BRISTOW, VA — A woman suffered life-threatening burns in Bristow on Tuesday after a candle caused her clothes to catch fire, the fire department said.

The woman was taken to a regional burn center for treatment. A man in the home also suffered burns and was taken to a burn center. The house they were in sustained minor damage.

The incident occurred around 10:30 p.m. on Tuesday at a home in the 10000 block of Twin Leaf Drive in Bristow. After the fire was extinguished, investigators determined that an open-flame candle ignited the woman's clothing.

"The Fire Marshal’s Office recommends against the use of candles or any other open-flame type device. If used, such devices should never be left unattended or in close proximity to combustible materials," the fire marshal's office said in a news release. "Loose clothing is especially dangerous near an open flame. Ensure to keep out of the reach of children and pets."