Oakton Fire Caused By Candle Injures 1: Fire Department

OAKTON, VA — An unattended candle caused a fire that injured one person in the Oakton area Friday, Dec. 17, according to Fairfax County Fire and Rescue.

Around 10:09 p.m., units from Fairfax County and Fairfax City responded to the 2700 block of Pembsly Drive, Vienna. Fire was showing from the three-story townhouse, and a second alarm was requested. Crews worked to quickly put out the fire and contained it to the bedroom.

Three residents were home when the fire happened. One resident had smelled smoke and found the fire in a bedroom. Residents evacuated and called 911. One resident went to the hospital for a check-up, and there were no other injuries.

The cause of the fire was determined to be an unattended lit candle, per fire investigators. This was the second Fairfax County fire this month caused by an unattended candle. The other on Dec. 4 in the 4000 block of Doveville Lane in the Wakefield area caused one non-life-threatening injury.

There were no working smoke alarms in the house, according to Fairfax County Fire and Rescue. No residents were displaced from the home. Damages were estimated to be $18,750.

Fairfax County and Rescue provided the following tips for safe use of candles:

• Use battery powered candles or 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