Candle Causes Christmas Fire At Merrifield Apartment

MERRIFIELD, VA—A fire caused by a knocked-over candle in Merrifield caused the resident to lose the apartment on Christmas Day.

Around 8:19 p.m., the fire started when the resident accidentally knocked over the candle in the 2900 block of Charing Cross Road. The fire ignited after it fell onto a futon. Firefighters arrived to the fire showing from the front of the three-story apartment building and quickly worked to extinguish it.

The resident attempted to extinguish the fire before calling 911 and was able to escape. The resident was examined by paramedics and transported to the hospital for a checkup. There were no other injuries reported.

The resident is displaced as the apartment has an estimated $25,000 in damages.

The incident has prompted a warning from Fairfax County Fire and Rescue about the safe use of candles. Some tips residents should follow include:

• Do not leave burning candles unattended
• Keep 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

Stock image via Webandi/Pixabay