Fire Department

An unattended candle is what sent east side firefighters to the 5100 block of Brookside Drive early Friday morning.

A fire alarm activated around 3:40 a.m., and Engine Company 11 responded to investigate. One resident identified herself to firefighters and explained she’d left a candle burning in her bedroom. The candle burned down to the end of the wick and began producing smoke, which set off the alarm. Firefighters blew out the candle and opened the windows to help clear the smoke.

Statistics gathered by the National Fire Protection Association show that roughly one-third of home candle fires start in bedrooms. The bedroom can be a dangerous place to use candles due to the combustibility of nearby mattresses and other furnishings, plus the chances someone may fall asleep while a candle is burning.

Always keep candles at least 12 inches from any combustible materials, and never burn candles while away or asleep.