6:11pm–#Fairfield CT-  The Fairfield Fire Department responded to a report of a building fire at 40 Cider Mill Lane. Engine 4 arrived on scene 5 minutes after receipt of the 911 call and reported seeing visible smoke coming from the second floor of a house. Firefighters quickly determined that there was a fire on the second floor of the house and searched the entire building to make sure all occupants and pets were safely removed from the house. Additional fire units responded to the scene and worked to the confine the fire to the second floor bathroom. Some fire extended to the attic through a bathroom exhaust fan but did not cause significant damage to the roof or structure.

The cause of the fire is under investigation but is believed to be accidental. According to the occupants, an unattended candle was left burning in the upstairs bathroom. Upon returning to the bathroom, one of the occupants noticed the fire and heard the smoke alarm sound. A second occupant tried to use a fire extinguisher to control the fire and buy time as they tried to rescue their dog. Despite being exposed to smoke while inside the building, none of the occupants reported injuries and refused medical care on scene.

Assistant Chief Scott Bisson stated, “According to the US Fire Administration, there are over 15,000 fires caused by candles in homes each year and 55% of them are caused by candles being too close to other combustible materials.” Additionally, he stated that, “The smoke detector located outside of the bathroom operated properly just as the occupant noticed the fire and assisted in alerting others in the house of the fire giving them time to safely escape.”

Chief Felner was present on scene. The last fire unit cleared the scene at 7:45 PM.