The fire at a two-family home on Bridgeport Avenue was caused by a candle and incense burning in a first-floor bedroom, according to Fire Marshal James Tortora.
The fire displaced a woman renting the first floor apartment, and the homeowner living on the second floor of the home, at 164 Bridgeport Ave.
“There was a candle and incense next to each other,” Tortora said. “Somehow it ignited. The (tenant) said she turned around, saw the bed was on fire and attempted to extinguish it.”
The woman was unsuccessful putting out the fire, but was able to get out of the home safely. The homeowner upstairs also escaped unharmed.
About 45 volunteers from three fire companies responded to the scene at about 9:15 p.m., and were able to knock down the flames relatively quickly.
The fire spread to the living room, hallway and part of kitchen before firefighters were able to put it out, Tortora said.
The firefighters rescued a cat belonging to the first-floor resident.
There was heavy fire damage in the first floor apartment and smoke and water damage on the second floor, Tortora said. He estimated the damage to the building at about $50,000 and the damage to property inside at about $75,000.
