MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- A fire displaced a Marine family of five and caused significant government and personal property damage to a townhouse unit in the Monzen housing area Tuesday night. Several hours prior to the blaze, a smaller fire broke out at Barracks 1358 after a resident left a burning candle unattended.Tuesday’s incidents, along with repeated garbage can fires, have raised fire-safety concerns among station members.“This is the season for the highest fire danger for people,” said Devin A. Johnston-Lee, station fire chief and Oahu, Hawaii native. “Candles, Christmas trees, cooking-related incidents; our run volume goes up in the winter season.” According to Johnston-Lee, simple actions and common sense are the biggest factors in fire prevention.“I want to remind people that it’s against orders to have candles in the barracks,” said Johnston Lee.The unattended flame in Tuesday’s barracks fire could have caused much more damage, which has been the case in past years. The rules are in place for a reason, he added.Christmas trees are also high on the list of potential fire hazards.“It’s kindling you bring into your home,” Johnston-Lee said. “A Christmas tree takes about a gallon (of water) every two days. People need to understand you need to water them, you need to treat them, and as soon as Christmas is done get them out of the house. It’s an extreme fire danger.”In an effort to curb commonplace garbage can blazes, Johnston-Lee reminds station residents to let charcoal set overnight after grilling. Often time hot embers will be hidden in a seemingly extinguished pile of ashes, he said.An investigation concluded an improperly used kitchen appliance most likely sparked Tuesday’s townhouse fire. Bruce L. Gorst, director of Family Housing and Pawtucket, R.I., native, has found appliances to be a large factor in residential fires he has seen in his 20 years of experience working in housing.Check all appliances and make sure they’re in good working order, said Gorst. Also make sure that all cords are properly plugged in and that surge protectors, power strips and extension cords aren’t overloaded.Recovering after a fire is a difficult time for any family, however, certain measures can be taken to aid in the process.“It’s important to have renters’ insurance,” Gorst said. “You may be able to file a claim with the government, but you only get the depreciated value (of lost items). With renters’ insurance you get the replacement value.”Station residents who would like to donate household items to the victims of Tuesday’s fire can call 253-4815 for information on what is needed and drop-off locations.