Firefighters across Michiana have been busy responding to multiple house fires this week, coinciding with Fire Prevention Awareness Week.

In Benton Harbor, nine residents safely escaped a blaze, this week, at a group home in the 800 block of Pearl Street. Crews were called to the scene and found the fire contained to a bedroom in the basement.

Investigators determined the fire started when a candle was accidentally knocked onto a bed. The Benton Harbor Department of Public Safety credited working smoke alarms for alerting residents in time, preventing injuries or loss of life.

Also, two people were taken to the hospital following a separate house fire in South Bend. Firefighters responded to the home on Cypress Circle and found flames mainly confined to a second-floor bedroom.

Crews quickly brought the fire under control. The cause of the blaze remains under investigation.

Authorities remind residents to check their smoke detectors and practice fire safety at home, especially during Fire Prevention Awareness Week.