Unattended Candle Sparked Apartment Fire In Sterling: Authorities

STERLING, VA — A fire broke out at an apartment in Sterling on Wednesday morning, Loudoun fire and rescue official said.

No injuries were reported in the fire. The blaze displaced one resident.

Investigators said an unattended candle sparked the fire, causing $25,000 in damages.

First responders arrived at the scene, in the 1000 block of Warwick Court, around 11 a.m. on Wednesday. A 911 caller said they could smell smoke from a neighboring apartment and alarms were blaring.

Fire and rescue crews could not see any fire from outside the building, but encountered heavy smoke when they went inside. Firefighters found the apartment where the fire began and started ventilating the area.

"Fire and Rescue crews found a smoldering fire which was contained to a tabletop, then began overhaul and additional smoke removal operations," authorities said in a report. "The Loudoun County Fire and Rescue Fire Marshal’s Office investigation classified the fire as accidental, resulting from an unattended candle."

No residents of the apartment were home when the fire began.

"Candles can be used for several different reasons, such as covering scents, celebrating special occasions and religious ceremonies, and adding decorations to spaces," the fire department said. "Regardless of the nature for which you use candles, the LC-CFRS reminds community members to stay vigilant and only use candles in a safe manner."

Authorities urged residents to keep candles on sturdy surfaces away from children and animals.