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--> --> Fire damages Ashland business Ashland Daily Tidings A downtown Ashland retail store suffered extensive fire damage in a nighttime mishap, but a well-functioning sprinkler system prevented the fire from spreading too far. Ashland Fire & Rescue crews responded to the fire at Illuminate, 253 E. Main St., at 10:25 p.m. Wednesday, but when they arrived, they found just smoke and steam in the partially burned interior, according to Dave Hard, Ashland Fire & Rescue assistant chief. Two of the store's ceiling sprinklers were activated by the heat and quickly doused the flames, but not before the fire caused about $60,000 in damage to the store and building. The fire was caused by a candle left burning in a bamboo candle holder. The store owner had lit candles during Wednesday's wind-caused power outages. "Two things we learned from this are battery-powered flashlights should be on hand in case of power outages, and sprinkler systems are effective," Hard said. "They (sprinklers) limited the damage to $60,000 and the building and contents are worth more than $6 million." Illuminate is one of three stores renting in the building owned by Ashland Elks Lodge No. 944. No other stores were damaged, but water from the sprinklers seeped through to the basement and damaged the Elks Lodge wood dance floor. "Candles are only safe when attended," Hard said. "We have had many fires in the city through the years caused by candles." Email your... Technical questions & comments to: WebMaster Daily Tidings editorial comments & questions to: Editor Visit our other Oregon Newspapers... | Albany Democrat-Herald | Ashland Daily Tidings | Corvallis Gazette-Times | | Lebanon Express | Newport News-Times | Springfield News | Cottage Grove Sentinel | Ashland Daily Tidings 1661 Siskiyou Blvd. Ashland, OR 97520 Telephone 541-482-3456 © Copyright 2001 Lee Northwest Publishing