Stanton House Fire Ruled Accidental By Investigators

A candle burning, left unattended, is believed to have led to a house fire at 6 Woodcock Lane, Stanton, Monday, December 3, at 10:47 a.m.

Sullivan Fire Chief Eric Lewis reported that firefighters responded to the home and were able to quickly extinguish the fire that lacked oxygen from becoming a fully engulfed fire.

“We responded to the fire with four apparatus and seven fire personnel Monday and the crews did a great job extinguishing the fire and saving the home,” said Chief Lewis. “This fire could have been extremely bad had there been more oxygen to fuel the fire.”

Lewis stated that the set of double pane windows really helped prevent this fire from reaching its full potential.

“What we gathered from the home owner was that there was a candle that was left lit and when they closed the door to leave the room to run an errand the wind from closing the door may have provided just enough lift to a window curtain that could have ignited the fire,” said Lewis. “The fire was contained to the front room of the home but there was soot damage throughout the home.”

Lewis stated that the Franklin County Fire Investigator was called in to determine the cause of the fire and it appears to be accidental. The fire was also reviewed by the homeowners insurance carrier.

The home is owned by Moses and Erica Sterling.

St. Clair Fire, Missouri Baptist Ambulance and Franklin County Sheriff’s deputies responded to the fire to provide assistance.

Lewis stated this time of year in particular many residents will use candles in their homes and that proper precautions need to be taken to avoid fires in the home.

“Residents using candles should be alert to make sure that if they leave their home, go to bed at night, make sure that candles are put out,” said Lewis. “Also making sure that they are not near anything flammable is very important to providing safe use of these items.”