Candle Left Unattended Causes Small Fire at Barrow Residence

A Barrow County resident returned home Sunday, Oct. 16, to find a candle that had been left burning had started a small fire.

The homeowner was able to use a fire extinguisher to put the fire out, which occurred at a residence on Azalea Drive. 

Firefighters and EMTs with ' Engine 6, Engine 1, Med 1, and Battalion 1 responded to make sure the fire was out and had not extended to any other areas.

“With October being Fire Prevention Month, this fire highlights an i,” Barrow County Emergency Services Lt. Rob Nowakowski said in a news release. “Never leave candles burning unattended.”

Candles cause an estimated 15,600 house fires every year, according to the U.S. Fire Administration. These fire result in 1,270 injuries and more than $500 million dollars in damage.

Candles should be burned in suitable containers made of metal, porcelain or other fire safe material that can protect the area around the candle and are not easily knocked over. Candles should never be left unattended and you should always make sure the candle is completely out after use.

“Barrow County Emergency Services also recommends everyone be trained in the proper use of a fire extinguisher,” Lt. Nowakowski said in the release. “Without the homeowner properly using an extinguisher, this fire could have been much worse. Proper training is critical to the effectiveness of using a fire extinguisher.”

Here are additional tips to help prevent house fires.

Have you ever left a candle burning while you were away from home? Tell us in comments.