Unattended Candle Causes Home Fire

 
Photos (from top):
With the remains of the structure fire next door in the background, Captain Dave Cunningham discusses what was discovered after extinguishing the fire

Firefighters exit the home in the background while Captain Dave Cunningham discusses cleanup efforts

Firefighters (left to right) Matt Gore and Bryon Kimber exit the structure after extinguishing the fire

Chief O’Donohue discusses the recent rash of neighborhood fires with across the street neighbor

Narrative:

An unattended candle in a Golden Valley home started a fire, which Firefighters quickly extinguished, Sunday afternoon at 3873 N. Bowie Road. Ironically, this fire was next door to a fire that occurred just weeks before. The son of the owner was home at the time of the incident and did the right thing, according to Battalion Chief David Martin. Martin said; “He ran next door to the neighbors to report the fire”. Neighbors called 911 and reported the fire while keeping the young man away from the home. Arriving firefighters reported nothing showing when they arrived, however upon entering the home, discovered smoke from floor to ceiling. Crews confirmed there were no occupants still inside the home, and extinguished the fire in the main living area. Fire Marshal Randy Osborn was called to conduct the final investigation, confirming the point of origin was indeed a 10-inch candle. Fire Chief Thomas O’Donohue reports that candle fires account for a significant amount of fires in the home, advising candles should never be left unattended. There were no injuries from this fire reported, and damage was kept to a minimum due to quick reporting to 911 and swift actions of firefighters.