Crime & Safety

Candles Were Start of Fatal Fire at Hagel Circle

Unattended, they led to a fire that killed three including two children

According to investigators, the fire on September 22 at Hagel Circle in Lorton was accidentally started by unattended candles. Three people died in the blaze: Eileen (Allie) Langham-Anderson, 24, and two of her children, Solomon 5, and Alfonso (Tookie), 3.

Four others were injured, including three of Langham-Anderson's children. They escaped thanks to the heroic efforts of their mother, who passed them out of the window to a family friend as the fire raged.

Neighbors reported that just days before the fire the family's electricity had been shut off and they were using candles as a light source.

Find out what's happening in Lortonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

In light of the tragedy, Fairfax County Fire and Rescue released the following on candle safety:

  • Do not place candles near combustible materials.
  • Place candles in glass or ceramic containers.
  • Place candles on a flat, sturdy surface.
  • Never leave children unattended in a room with an open flame candle.
  • Do not place candles on window ledges or near entryways. The potential air draft can "fan" the flame, catching curtains or other materials on fire.
  • Do keep burning candles within sight at all times. Candles can present fire hazards outdoors on decks and patios as well as inside your home.
  • Always extinguish candles before leaving the home.
  • Place all candles on a protected, heat resistant, dry surface away from anything that can catch fire and out of the reach of children and pets.

Β 

Find out what's happening in Lortonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com.