Herndon House Fire Caused by Candle

An unattended candle left burning in an upstairs bedroom caused $135,000 in damages to a Herndon home that caught fire in the 13000 block of Anvil Place at about 6 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 18. 

Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department arrived and found fire and smoke coming from the rear of the two-story home and were able to bring the fire under control within about 10 minutes. The fire was deemed accidental. 

The smoke alarms in the home were in working order and alerted the occupants who were able to escape the burning home. The three adult occupants and several of their pets have been displaced, and only one occupant received non life-threatening injuries.  

Candle Safety Tips from Fairfax County Fire and Rescue:

• Do not place candles near combustible materials.
• Place candles in glass or ceramic containers.
• Place candles on a flat, sturdy surface.
• Never leave children unattended in a room with an open flame candle.
• Do not place candles on window ledges or near entryways. The potential air draft can “fan” the flame, catching curtains or other materials on fire.
• Do keep burning candles within sight at all times. Candles can present fire hazards outdoors on decks and patios as well as inside your home.
• Always extinguish candles before leaving the home.
• Place all candles on a protected, heat resistant, dry surface away from anything that can catch fire and out of the reach of children and pets.