(SMYRNA, TN)  At 4:21 Thursday morning, Smyrna Fire Department was dispatched to the Colony Square Apartments on Rock Springs Road. The first units on the scene reported heavy smoke and flames coming from building A. 

B-shift personnel attacked and extinguished the fire, containing the damage to one unit.  The damage was extensive and the unit is uninhabitable. Five individuals reside in that unit and escaped unharmed. Rutherford County EMS transported one individual as a precautionary measure.  The individual was treated and released.

All adjacent units remained intact, did not sustain damage, and residents were able to return home. 

The fire investigator’s preliminary investigation indicates the cause and origin is unattended candles.

Smyrna Fire Chief Bill Culbertson said, “Personnel did an excellent job of attacking the fire and containing the damage to one unit.  We are grateful the occupants escaped unharmed.

The Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office offers the following general fire safety tips:

• Never leave lit candles unattended; consider switching to flameless.
• Never leave cooking unattended.
• In the event of a grease fire, slide the lid over the pan and turn off the burner
• Never smoke if medical oxygen is present.
• Always use the recommended wattage light bulb for a light fixture.
• Keep space heaters at least 3 feet away from anything flammable.  Ensure they are turned off when leaving the room or going to bed.
• Ensure that electrical cords do not run under rugs, they are not frayed, and they are not the power supply for appliances.
• Do not smoke while in bed or lying down.  If possible, never smoke inside.