Annandale townhouse fire caused by candle mishap

A fire at an Annandale townhouse went to two alarms. [FCFRD]

A fire at an Annandale townhouse sent a resident to the hospital for a checkup, the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department reports.

The two-alarm fire struck the three-story home, in the 5000 block of American Drive, shortly before 11 p.m. on March 16.

The occupant discovered the fire and unsuccessfully attempted to extinguish it. He self-evacuated and alerted a neighbor who called 911. Smoke alarms were present but did not sound because the batteries were either missing or dead.

Fire investigators determined the fire was accidental in nature and started when a candle in the living room was dropped and ignited combustible materials.

Three occupants who were displaced by the fire have accepted assistance from the Red Cross. Damages are estimated at $236,250.