BROCKTON, MASS. (WHDH) - A three-alarm fire in Brockton that sent seven people to the hospital early Sunday morning started accidentally with a candle, according to fire officials.
Investigators say the fire began in a bedroom near the right rear corner of the second floor and that it was caused by a candle that ignited flammable items on a bedside table.
Crews responding to a reported blaze in Central Square around 1 a.m. used ground ladders to rescue five people from the multi-family home. Two others were able to escape the building themselves.
All seven were taken to the hospital, where a teen remains in critical condition. The rest of the victims were in stable condition.
“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,” said Brockton Fire Chief Brian Nardelli. “We believe the fire started with a candle, which ignited flammable items nearby. If you use candles at home, please remember to keep anything that can burn at least a foot away on all sides. 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.”
The American Red Cross is assisting those displaced.
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