Tréa Lavery
masslive.com
(TNS)
A three-alarm fire in a home in Brockton that left seven people hospitalized over the weekend was caused by a burning candle, officials said Monday.
Brockton Fire Department received a repot of a fire at 25 Central Square at 12:45 a.m. Sunday, MassLive previously reported. Firefighters arrived to find heavy fire on the second and third floors of the triple-decker building and people hanging from the windows of the third floor.
Five people were rescued using ground ladders and brought to area hospitals along with two others. One of the people was described as being in critical condition on Sunday.
It took about an hour for the fire to be knocked down.
An investigation into the cause of the fire revealed that it was started in a bedroom near the right rear corner of the second floor of the building when a candle ignited flammable items on a bedside table.
“This fire had every potential to be a terrible tragedy, and I want to recognize the outstanding work of Brockton firefighters in rescuing residents from the danger,” Brockton Fire Chief Brian Nardelli said in a statement Monday. “We believe the fire started with a candle, which ignited flammable items nearby. If you use candles at home, please remember to keep anything that can burn at least a foot away on all sides. Always place them on a sturdy, nonflammable saucer or candleholder. And never leave a burning candle unattended – always blow it out before you leave the room or go to sleep.”
“Candles cause about 100 fires each year in Massachusetts,” State Fire Marshal Peter Ostroskey said. “Almost all of them take place in people’s homes, and almost all of them can be prevented by using extra caution. Even better, try battery-powered alternatives, like flashlights for emergencies and flameless candles for decoration and celebration. They’re much safer than an open flame.”
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