Candle Fire Causes 2 Injuries, Damage At McLean Home

MCLEAN, VA — Two injuries were reported in a fire Tuesday at a McLean home, according to Fairfax County Fire and Rescue.

Fire units responded around 9:10 p.m. to the 6600 block of Osborn Street. The two-story, single-family home had smoke showing as crews arrived. Units worked to quickly locate and put out the fire.

Two residents had been home at the time. One of the residents discovered the fire and alerted the other before they evacuated. They notified 911 after evacuating.

Two residents were taken to the hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. There were no firefighter injuries.

Investigators determined the fire's cause was an unattended candle left too close to curtains in the living room. The residents had a power outage due to thunderstorms and were using candles. Damages were estimated to be $25,000.

Five residents were displaced and declined Red Cross assistance.

After the cause of the fire was identified, Fairfax County Fire and Rescue provided the following tips about safe use of candles:

• Use battery powered candles/lighting when power goes out
• 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