OCALA, FL (352today.com) – Ocala Fire Rescue (OFR) crews responded to an apartment fire they say started when a lit candle fell over.

Crews responded to the Saddleworth Green Apartments located at 2901 SW 1st St. around 4 p.m. Tuesday. When they got to the apartment complex, they discovered smoke and flames coming from the apartment’s back porch.

Crews say this fire demonstrates the dangers of candles and recommends using flameless candles instead. Courtesy: OFR
OFR says the fire started when a lit candle fell over. Courtesy: OFR

They say an Ocala Police Department (OPD) officer was using a fire extinguisher to help contain the flames.

Firefighters used another extinguisher as well as water hoses to keep the fire from spreading.

OFR says the people who lived in the apartments had already gotten out before firefighters arrived.

But firefighters had to rescue two pet birds from the fire.

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OFR says this fire serves as a valuable reminder to everyone to make sure to blow out candles before leaving a room or going to bed. They also recommend using flameless candles instead.

A firefighter attends to one of the pet birds rescued from an apartment. Courtesy: OFR
Firefighters rescued two pet birds from one of the apartments. Courtesy: OFR