Candle blamed for starting house fire, displacing three

An early morning fire believed to have been caused by a candle forced three people from their home Tuesday, according to officials with the Columbia Fire Department.

Brick Lewis, a department spokesman, said firefighters were dispatched to the 4000 block of Water Street near Farrow Road in reference to a structure fire. When firefighters arrived, they observed heavy black smoke coming from the front of the residence. Firefighters were able to quickly put out the fire before it spread throughout the entire residence.

Lewis said three people in the residence have been displaced from their home but no injuries were reported. The American Red Cross has been called in to assist the family.

Damages to the home are estimated to be about $40,000, Lewis said.