A small candle will cost one Lower Valley homeowner thousands of dollars.

The home located near the intersection of Lomaland and Verdeland went up in flames just after 9:00 Friday night.

When units arrived on the scene they found heavy smoke coming from the home's front bedroom.

At total of 19 firefighters managed to get the blaze under control in less than 20 minutes and isolated the cause to a candle left burning unattended on a night stand.

Fortunately the two woman who lived in the home were able to get out without being injured.

"I saw the lady by the drive-way, the fire department took her out, but the house, you know, was already extinguished," said Art Medina, of the Lower Valley.

The fire caused a total of $18,000 in damage to the home and its contents.