Investigators Rule Cause of N. Loop House Fire Accidental
March 20, 2008
Houston Fire Department arson investigators have ruled the cause of yesterday's vacant house fire on the feeder road of the N. Loop near Hinton as accidental due to an unattended candle.
The HFD responded to multiple calls of an house fire in the 1000 block of the N. Loop near Hinton, about 12:45 p.m., March 19, 2008. Firefighters received reports of several people trapped in the vacant house that had been converted to commercial property. One man was rescued by firefighters and everyone else were later located. There were no reported injuries or fatalities. Firefighters called for a defensive attach within about 10 minutes and tapped out the fire at 1:35 p.m. Neighborhood Protection was contacted and made the scene. The structure had already been scheduled for demolition.
The HFD reminds citizens about these simple safety tips when using candles:
Use candles only with constant adult supervision .
Extinguish all candles when leaving a room or going to sleep.
Keep candles away from items that can catch fire.
Place candles and candle holders on a secure piece of furniture. Make sure candleholders are non-combustible and large enough to collect the dripping wax.
Do not place lighted candles in windows, were blinds or curtains can close over them.
Keep wicks trimmed to 1/4 inch, and extinguish candles when they burn to within two inches of the holder.
Keep candles and all open flames away from flammable liquids.
Do not use candles in places were they can be knocked over by children or pets.
