FRAMINGHAM – Framingham firefighters and police responded to 4 Frost Street for a report of a structure fire today, February 9 around 11:40 a.m., but the small fire was caused by a candle.
Engines 7, Engine 1, Rescue 1, Tower 1, and car 2 responded to 4 Frost Street, said the fire chief.
An unattended candle was the cause of the fire, said Framingham Fire Chief Michael Dutcher.
A police officer who arrived on the scene first, extinguished the small fire, said the fire chief.
No one was injured.
There was minimal damage.
“Unattended candles are a leading cause of residential fires,” said Chief Dutcher. “Residents should make sure candles lit in the house are in the same room with a person.”
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Candle fire facts, between 2014 and 2018:
- Candles caused 2% of reported home fires, 3% of home fire deaths, 6% of home fire injuries, and 4% of the direct property damage in home fires.
- Roughly one-third (37%) of home candle fires started in bedrooms. These fires caused 40% of the associated deaths and 49% of the associated injuries.
- Falling asleep was a factor in 10% percent of the home candle fires and 15% of the associated deaths.
- On average, 21 home candle fires were reported per day.
- Three of every five (60%) of home candle fires occurred when some form of combustible material was left or came too close to the candle.
- December is the peak time of year for home candle fires. In December, 12% of home candle fires began with decorations compared to 4% the rest of the year.
Source: NFPA’s Home Candle Fires report
UPDATED: Originally posted at 11:48 a.m. Updated at 2:15p.m.
Chestnut Hill Realty 
Town of Ashland