Press Release  Somerville Fire Most Likely Started with Unattended Candle

SOMERVILLE — The fire that broke out in an apartment building on Powderhouse Boulevard last night is not suspicious and most likely started with an unattended candle, said Somerville Fire Chief Charles Breen, Jr, Somerville Police Chief Shumeane Benford, and State Fire Marshal Jon Davine.

“I want to recognize the outstanding work of Somerville firefighters who rescued multiple occupants, and I want to thank the community members who assisted residents during this crisis,” said Chief Breen. “Our investigation overnight and into the morning identified the area of origin as a second-floor bedroom. Based on evidence at the scene, witness interviews, and other evidence, we believe it started with an unattended candle.”

Massachusetts fire departments have reported 481 fires that started with candles over the past five years, said State Fire Marshal Davine. These fires injured 13 firefighters and 54 civilians, and they claimed three residents’ lives. The most common area of origin for residential candle fires is the bedroom.

“Most of these fires start when someone leaves a candle unattended,” State Fire Marshal Davine said. “If you’re using candles at home, place them on a sturdy saucer or candleholder out of reach of children and pets. Keep anything that can burn at least a foot away on all sides. And always, always, always extinguish them before leaving the room or going to sleep. Even better, try battery-powered flameless candles – today’s models even flicker like the real thing.”

The origin and cause of the fire were investigated by the Somerville Fire Department, Somerville Police Department, and State Police fire investigators assigned to the State Fire Marshal’s office.

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