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Brockton Fire responded to the fire at 25 Central Square in Brockton just before 1 a.m. on Sunday, Feb. 12, according to the Department of Fire Services (DFS).
Upon arrival, officers found heavy fire on the second and third floors of the home, with people hanging out of the windows.
Firefighters rescued five people who, along with two others, were taken to local hospitals with varying injuries, DFS reports. A teenager was critically injured, as previously reported by Daily Voice. The fire was extinguished in about an hour, DFS said.
“This fire had every potential to be a terrible tragedy, and I want to recognize the outstanding work of Brockton firefighters in rescuing residents from the danger,” Brockton Fire Chief Brian Nardelli said.
"If you use candles at home, please remember to keep anything that can burn at least a foot away on all sides," Nardelli continued. "Always place them on a sturdy, nonflammable saucer or candleholder. And never leave a burning candle unattended – always blow it out before you leave the room or go to sleep.”
Investigators determined that the fire started after a candle on a nightstand light flammable items in a second-story bedroom, DFS said. State Fire Marshal Ostroskey said candles cause about 100 fires in Massachusetts each year.
“Almost all of them take place in people’s homes, and almost all of them can be prevented by using extra caution," Ostroskey said. "Try battery-powered alternatives, like flashlights for emergencies and flameless candles for decoration and celebration. They’re much safer than an open flame.”
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