KALAMAZOO (WKZO-AM) — For the second time in a week, an unattended candle is being blamed for a house fire in Kalamazoo.
This time, the flames from that candle heavily damaged a home in the 900 block of Mills Street in Kalamazoo’s Edison neighborhood, leaving three homeless just before the holidays.
The fire was first reported just before 7 p.m. Tuesday and the first crews on the scene could see flames coming from an upper story. The fire gutted the two-story structure.
Fire investigators say they beleived the candle was left burning in a first story bedroom and spread from there.
Only one of the three occupants were home at the time, and delayed calling 911 after the smoke detectors went off, in an unsuccessful attempt to put out the fire. That person managed to escape without injury. Kalamazoo Public Safety suggests you call first.
The displaced occupants are getting assistance from the Red Cross until they can get back on their feet.
Just last Friday a holiday candle caused a fire that destroyed a home on Wheaton in the Vine Neighborhood. Kalamazoo Public Safety is issuing a reminder to never leave a candle unattended, and to always be extremely careful when using an open flame inside a home.
