FCFRD News Blog : Unattended Candle Cause Of Oakton Townhouse Fire

Mount Vernon VA

21 December, 2021

11:17 AM

Description

Press release from the FCFRD News Blog: December 20, 2021 On Friday, December 17, at approximately 10:09 p.m., units from the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department and the City of Fairfax Fire Department were dispatched for a reported townhouse fire in the 2700 block of Pembsly Drive in the Oakton area of Fairfax County. Units arrived on the scene of a three-story, townhouse with fire showing. A second alarm was immediately requested. Crews were able to rapidly extinguish the fire. The fire was contained to the bedroom. One occupant was transported to the hospital for a check-up. There were no firefighter injuries reported. Three occupants were home at the time of the fire. One occupant smelled smoke and, upon further investigation, discovered the fire in a bedroom. The three occupants self-evacuated and called 9-1-1. There were no working smoke alarms in the house. Fire Investigators determined that the fire was accidental in nature and started in a bedroom. The cause of the fire was an unattended lit candle. No occupants were displaced because of the fire. Red Cross assistance was offered and declined. Damages as a result of the fire were approximately $18,750. This was the second candle related fire this month! On Saturday, December 4, an unattended candle caused a house fire in the 4000 block of Doveville Lane.  The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department would like to remind residents to avoid the dangers of fire while burning candles to please follow the safety tips listed below: 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 Photos courtesy of X. Halloun This press release was produced by the FCFRD News Blog. The views expressed here are the author's own.