Unattended Candle Causes House Fire, Seven Displaced (Photo) -06/04/23

Kelso, WA – Firefighters from Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue responded to a house fire in the 200 block of Holcomb Ave at 10:17 Saturday morning.  Fire crews arrived and reported the mobile home was fifty percent involved in fire and attacked the fire with multiple hose lines.  Firefighters had the blaze under control within 14 minutes from when they arrived.  All residents and their pets were accounted for.  Three fire engines, a medic unit, and a Chief Officer responded, Cowlitz County Sheriff Deputies and Cowlitz County Public Utilities District also responded to the incident.  Seven residents and two dogs were displaced; American Red Cross will be assisting them with shelter and other resources.  Fire officials consider the home a complete loss.  The cause of the fire is related to an unattended burning candle.  One firefighter was treated on scene for heat-related issues.  No other injuries were reported. 

 

Earlier that day firefighters responded to a possible house fire that was also the result of an unattended candle.  The smoke in the house was the result of an unattended candle that had burned too long and caused the glass of the candle holder to overheat.  The resident’s smoke detectors alerted them. 

 

According to the National Fire Protection Association, from 2015-2019 U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated 7,400 home structure fires that were started by candles per year. These fires caused an annual average of 90 deaths, 670 injuries, and $291 million in direct property damage. 

 

Always have working smoke alarms in your home.  Check your batteries and test them at least twice per year or as needed.  Smoke alarms save lives.  For more information on smoke alarms and other fire safety in the home visit: https://www.nfpa.org