A candle likely caused a fire that significantly damaged a Marysville home April 4, according to a preliminary investigation. Thankfully, no one was injured in the fire.

Firefighters were dispatched just before 5:30 p.m. to a residential fire in the area of State Ave and 109^th Place NE. First arriving units found heavy smoke coming from the second floor of the home. Firefighters conducted two searches, which is standard protocol, and found no one inside. Firefighters contained the flames to a second-floor bedroom, but the rest of the home received significant smoke and water damage.

American Red Cross volunteers are assisting residents, including three adults, two children and a dog, with temporary housing. A preliminary estimate for damage is over $100,000.

Candles cause hundreds of fires that kill dozens of people each year. We recommend using flameless candles when possible. Also remember to:

• Keep candles at least 12 inches from anything that can burn.
• Blow out candles before leaving a room or going to bed.
• Never leave a child alone in a room with a burning candle. Keep matches and lighters out of children’s reach.

We appreciate mutual aid in this response provided by Snohomish County Fire District 19 and Snohomish County Fire District 22.