July 15, 2019 9:30 a.m.
One person was hospitalized following a home fire in Riddle early Monday morning.
Chief Devin Loughridge of the Riddle Rural Fire Department said at about 3:00 a.m. crews were dispatched to a reported structure fire in the 200 block of West 2nd Avenue. A caller said there was a fire in the upstairs bathroom at the home. Units arrived a short time later and found a 2-story structure with heavy fire involvement from the second story.
Additional resources were requested from Tri City, Canyonville South Umpqua, and the Myrtle Creek Fire Departments to help bring the fire under control. A total of 20 firefighters were on the scene. The fire was controlled by 3:40 a.m.
One of the occupants was taken to Mercy Medical Center for a medical related issue. A preliminary investigation showed that a candle was left burning unattended in the bathroom, close to a combustible material. Other agencies assisted with the situation as well.
A reminder from Riddle Fire said that a burning candle should never be left unattended. A candle should not be burned on or near anything that might catch fire. Candles should be kept out of the reach of children and pets.