Unattended Candle Causes Heavy Blaze, Minor Injury In Sterling

STERLING, VA — A heavy fire in the Sterling Park neighborhood originated with an unattended candle and displaced four people Tuesday night, according to Loudoun County Fire and Rescue. One resident had a minor injury but did not require a visit to the hospital.

Around 9 p.m. Tuesday, units responded to a house fire in the 100 block of N. Sequoia Court in the Sterling Park neighborhood. Firefighters encountered a heavy blaze in the back of the home and requested a Rapid Intervention Taskforce for more resources. All residents had evacuated from the home and reported safe. Units put out a fire on the home's exterior and on the first floor inside.

One adult was evaluated for a minor injury but declined transport to the hospital. There were no reported firefighter injuries.

A fire marshal's office investigation found an unattended burning candle on the attached rear deck started the fire. The candle had ignited nearby combustibles. Damages to the home were estimated to be $350,000, which includes $275,000 for the structure and $75,000 for the contents. One neighboring home had heat damage from the fire. Four residents were displaced.

Loudoun County Fire and Rescue units from Sterling Park, Cascades, and Kincora responded to the fire, as well as units from Fairfax County.

Loudoun County Fire and Rescue encouraged residents to follow fire safety practices when using candles. Officials say candles should be on a sturdy, non-flammable surface away from children, pets and anything that can burned. Officials say an adult should always supervise a lit candle and ensure they are completely extinguished before leaving. For candles used for religious practices, officials recommend using an enclosed glass container and placing them in a sink, metal tray or deep basin filled with water. Flameless candles are also a safer alternative.

In addition, the fire department reminds residents that homes should have smoke alarms on every level, outside every sleeping area and inside each bedroom.