Unattended Candle Causes Condo Fire In Woodbridge, 13 People Displaced: Fire Marshal

WOODBRIDGE, VA — An unattended candle sparked a condo fire in Woodbridge on Monday afternoon, according to the fire marshal's office. At least 11 adults and 2 children have been displaced by the blaze, officials said.

Units from the Prince William County Fire and Rescue System responded to the 15000 block of Weathervane Terrace around 4:40 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 10. When they arrived on the scene, firefighters saw fire and smoke coming from a unit in the rear of the building, according to a report published by the fire department.

As crews began to work to suppress the fire from the outside, they learned that at least one person was still in the building. The resident, who was in a unit on the second floor of the building, escaped the building thanks to a ladder.

One person in the condo that caught fire was taken to a hospital for an injury they suffered in the blaze. Authorities said their injury was not considered life-threatening.

The fire originated in one unit of the building, officials said. There, occupants learned of the blaze when their smokes alarms activated. The fire marshal's office determined that the fire was caused by an unattended candle.

That condo sustained moderate damage in the fire, according to a report from the fire department. Officials declared the entire building unsafe to occupy after the fire was extinguished.

13 residents of 10 different condos were displaced as a result of the fire, authorities said. The Red Cross was on scene to assist the displaced residents.

Prince William County's fire and rescue system warned residents about the danger of unattended candles and the importance of working smoke alarms. Officials noted that candles left unattended, burning within 36 inches of combustible materials, or left where children or pets can knock them over.

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