Home » Home » Bay News » Burning Candle Almost Burns Up House
Bay News Coast News SLO City News

Burning Candle Almost Burns Up House

Residents of a San Luis Obispo duplex escaped serious injury when a candle left burning ignited a small fire in one unit that was mostly put out with a fire extinguisher by the neighbor.

According to the SLO Fire Department at 4:22 a.m. Friday, Aug. 21, they got a report of a structure fire at 2179 Beebee St. First arriving was a paramedic truck company that reported smoke billowing from downstairs windows and the front door of one unit.

Two residents, one a small child, had already evacuated and reported a possibility of another occupant needing rescue, Battalion Chief Bob Bisson said in a news release. Firefighters searched the building and didn’t find anyone inside.

According to Bisson, a fire alarm awoke the residents and a woman who lives in the second unit. While the resident called 9-1-1, the neighbor waded into the fire with an extinguisher mostly knocking it down before firefighters arrived to fully extinguish it and then vent the smoke.

The resident told fire officials that she’d left a candle burning downstairs when she went to bed, and was awakened by the smoke detector.

110801_fire_generic

Chief Bisson said both residents and the neighbor were medically evaluated, treated for minor injuries, and released at the scene. There were no injuries to firefighters reported. The property loss/damage to the contents was estimated at $2,500.

The fire drew a response from a battalion chief, ladder truck, and three engines. Police and the Red Cross also responded, and Cal Fire sent an engine and crew under automatic aid agreements.

Chief Bisson had some safety tips for those who like to burn candles:

  • Blow out all candles when you leave the room or go to bed.
  • Avoid burning candles in a bedroom or other areas where people may fall asleep.
  • Keep candles at least 12-inches away from anything that can burn.
  • Use sturdy candle holders that won’t easily tip over.
  • Put candle holders on a sturdy, uncluttered, non-flammable surface.
  • Light candles carefully, keeping hair and any loose clothing away from the flame.
  • Don’t burn a candle all the way down — put it out before it gets too close to the holder or container.
  • Never use a candle if oxygen is used in the home.
  • Have flashlights and battery-powered lights ready to use during a power outage, instead of candles.

And finally, always make sure you have working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in the home, as they really do save lives.

Facebook Comments