Candle Sparks Dale Street Fire, Displaces Four People

Nashua Fire crews responded to a bedroom fire inside a two-story multi-family home at 6 Dale Street, Apt. B, at about 1:30 a.m., which fire officials say was likely sparked by a candle left burning. 

Smoke was showing upon arrival. Engine 2 ran a handline to the second floor where they fond a bedroom ablaze. 

Ladder Company 2 performed ventilation and did a primary and secondary search of the building. Fire officials said all occupants got out of the building, thanks to working smoke alarms. 

Engine Company 6 provided a water supply line to Engine 2 and deployed a backup handline to protect Engine 2.  Engine 3 was called to the scene to provide emergency backup for the Rapid Intervention Team working inside the building.

The fire was quickly extinguished with fire damage held to the bedroom where it started, although there was heavy smoke damage throughout the second floor and moderate water damage to the first floor.  Adjoining Apt. 6A was not affected by the fire.  

Three adults and one child are displaced and staying with neighbor for rest of evening.  

"A working smoke detector played a major role in assuring positive life safety outcome for occupants," Deputy Chief Brian D. Rhodes said.

Although the cause is under investigation, Rhodes said it appears  to be accidental, due to a candle left burning while occupants slept.