2 Residents Injured, Cat Killed In Sterling House Fire: Authorities

STERLING, VA — Unattended candles caused a house fire in Sterling on Monday morning, Loudoun Fire and Rescue officials said.

Two residents in the home were injured in the blaze, according to authorities. A firefighter was evaluated at an area hospital. A family cat was found dead, and two other pets are missing. The family's dog is being treated by Loudoun Animal Services staff.

The fire caused $498,168 in damages, the fire marshal's office estimated.

The blaze began around 2 a.m. on Monday at a home on North Fillmore Avenue in Sterling. When first responders arrived, they saw smoke and fire showing from the back of the single-family house, the fire department said.

Some firefighters worked to quickly extinguish the blaze on the first floor and outside the home while others searched for the missing pets. The human residents were able to evacuate on their own.

The fire displaced three people who lived in the home. They are receiving assistance from the American Red Cross.

"Fire officials remind residents to stay vigilant and only use candles in a safe manner. Candles should be placed on a sturdy, nonflammable surface, away from children, pets and anything that can burn," the fire department said in a news release. "Candles require constant supervision by an adult, and you must ensure that candles are completely extinguished before leaving the area. A safer alternative is using flameless candles that still look and smell like real candles."