A tipped over candle resulted in extensive damage to a Coupeville home Thursday night but no injuries.

Central Whidbey Island Fire and Rescue personnel responded to a residential fire at 6:50 p.m. on North Rosewood Court.

Deputy Chief Charlie Smith was the first to arrive on scene and said he found the sole occupant of the home outside and unharmed.

She reported she had accidentally knocked over a candle, which ignited the couch in the living room, according to Fire Chief Ed Hartin.

Hartin said the piece of furniture burned more slowly because it appeared to be made in the 50s or early 60s, when less flammable materials were used.

The woman attempted to extinguish the fire with water from the kitchen and later a garden hose. After both proved unsuccessful, she went outside and called 911, Hartin said.

“The occupant did a good thing, she closed the front door,” he said.

This limited the growth of the fire by limiting its access to oxygen. When firefighters arrived, smoke but no flames could be seen on the exterior of the house. There was extensive smoke damage throughout the house, and the fire extended to the attic.

The unique design of the house, which involved multiple roof lines, made it difficult and time-consuming to extinguish the fire in the attic, Hartin said. Responders had to remove parts of the ceiling in two places to extinguish the remaining flames.

Twelve firefighters with two engines and two tenders responded, and the last unit left the scene just after 9:50 p.m.

Hartin said officials determined the cause to be accidental and not suspicious.