Candle Fire Displaces 5 Residents At Dumfries Home

DUMFRIES, VA — A house fire caused by a candle displaced two adults and three children in Dumfries Wednesday, according to Prince William County Fire and Rescue.

The townhouse fire happened around 5:06 p.m. Wednesday in the 17000 block of Denali Place. Firefighters found smoke showing from the front of the home and quickly put out the blaze by activating hose lines to the home's lower level. One resident was home during the fire and evacuated safely. There were no injuries.

The home has moderate damage as a result of the fire. Building officials determined the home was unsafe to occupy. Red Cross is assisting the five displaced residents.

The fire marshal's office determined the cause of the fire was a burning candle igniting nearby combustibles. The home had working smoke detectors, which fire officials recommend to give time to safely escape fires.

The fire marshal's office also cautions against candle use. Candles should not be left unattended, near combustibles or near where children or pets could reach them, according to the fire department.