SOUTHAMPTON — Firefighters are urging candle safety after an unattended flame caused more than $30,000 in damage to a home on Karen Lane Sunday night.
“This time of year is a tough time for fires,” Chief John Workman said. “Luckily, everyone is safe.”
The Southampton Fire Department responded to a report of a kitchen fire at 6 Karen Lane around 10:10 p.m., according to Workman.
An adult woman was home at the time of the fire and called firefighters, according to Workman. She was able to leave the home uninjured.
When crews arrived on scene, Workman said, firefighters found a “fair amount of fire” in the kitchen that opened onto a living room.
Workman said the fire was caused by a candle near flammable Christmas decorations. Firefighters were able to put out the fire within 15 minutes but were on scene until 2 a.m. Sunday.
The fire, which spread into the attic, caused $30,000 to $40,000 worth of smoke and water damage, according to Workman. Part of the ceiling was also removed to fight the fire.
December is the peak time of year for home candle fires, according to the National Fire Protection Association. In December, 11 percent of home candle fires began with decorations compared to 4 percent the rest of the year, according to the association.
The woman was not able to return home but is staying with family, according to Workman.
There was a working smoke detector in the home.
Crews from Westfield, Holyoke, Easthampton and Westhampton also provided assistance.
Emily Cutts can be reached at ecutts@gazettenet.com.