An unattended candle caused a fire that destroyed a home early Sunday morning near Chatham.
Firefighters from Raleigh Stations No. 15 and No. 16 were called to a two-storey house on Bloomfield Road at about 1:10 am
“When fire crews arrived, the home was fully involved with flames visible from first and second floor windows,” said a Chatham-Kent Fire and Rescue release.
All occupants were home at the time and able to safely get out of the home.
Crews worked to contain the fire from spreading to a nearby garage and vehicles. Heavy equipment was eventually brought in to knock down the home, the release said.
Damage is estimated at $350,000. The cause was an unattended candle, CKFR said.
“CKFR is reminding residents it is safest to use flameless candles,” the release said.
“If real candles are lit, blow them out when you leave the room or go to sleep Use well ventilated candle holders that are sturdy and will not tip over.”