Candle Sets Fire to Greenbelt Home
Investigators say a house fire at 53 Ridge Road on Wednesday was caused by a candle, according to Greenbelt official.
Investigators found a home in Greenbelt caught on fire after a candle fell onto the floor of a second-story bedroom Wednesday night displacing the woman who lived there, according to Assistant Chief Christopher Ransom of the Greenbelt Volunteer Fire Department.
The fire in a middle unit on 53 Court of Ridge Road started at around 7:30 p.m. and the crew showed up quickly, Ransom said. Staffed with all volunteers, he said they did what they were trained to do—put the fire out and cleared the smoke in 3 to 5 minutes.
The woman was inside when the fire occurred and was treated on the scene for anxiety, he said. The house is going to need renovations after the smoke and water damage, according to Ransom.
Most of the damage was in the back bedroom area.
Polly
5:44 am on Thursday, May 10, 2012
Oh that's real smart. Leaving a candle burning in a place you aren't watching. That lapse of judgement has cost her and could have caused damage and/or loss of life of her neighbors. Totally preventable.
Zach Feris
10:25 am on Thursday, May 10, 2012
A little compassion, please? Ya know...maybe let the trauma pass before you get all high and mighty on your soapbox?
Polly
11:35 am on Sunday, May 13, 2012
Uh, do you think if she'd been keeping an eye on that candle that she would have done something to prevent a fire enough to displace her?
Lauren
8:18 am on Thursday, May 10, 2012
I didn't read anything in this article saying the candle was "in a place [she] wasn't watching." I'm just glad everyone is apparently okay.
Polly
11:39 am on Sunday, May 13, 2012
@ Zach Feris I'm not high and mighty nor am I on a soapbox, it's common sense. If she'd been watching the candle don't you think it could have been prevented. She's lucky to have gotten out okay, next time perhaps not. If she hadn't been home at all think of the lives and property that could have been affected.
Zach Feris
10:08 am on Thursday, May 17, 2012
You missed my point completely, Polly. If you genuinely care about the woman, then take some time to learn about the 5 Stages of Loss and Grief and treat your neighbors with the same respect you demand. No doubt there are lessons to be learned when accidents occur - and this one, sadly, bears a terrible cost. There is, however, a time and place for delivery of such criticism.