Candle Sparked Dale City Apartment Fire, Displacing 2: Authorities

WOODBRIDGE, VA — A fire broke out at a Dale City apartment on Thursday afternoon, according to Prince William County Fire and Rescue. Authorities said an unattended candle sparked the blaze.

Two residents, who are both adults, were injured in the blaze. Their injuries were not life-threatening, but first responders took them to a medical center for treatment.

The fire began around 4 p.m. on Thursday at an apartment in the 15000 block of Cloverdale Road. When firefighters arrived on the scene, they noticed smoke showing from one of the windows.

First responders quickly extinguished the blaze, but the apartment sustained moderate damage, according to the fire department.

The building official for Prince William County declared that the apartment was unsafe to occupy, displacing the two injured residents.

"The Fire Marshal’s Office does not recommend the use of candles in any setting. If candles are used, never leave burning candles unattended," authorities said in a news release. "Make sure any burning candle is extinguished before leaving a room. Never use a candle where children or pets could knock it over. Other combustible materials should be kept away of any burning candle."