Stephenville RCMP say an apartment building fire on Friday night was accidental, and caused when a candle was left burning in one of the units while the tenant was outside.

The inside of the apartment was completely destroyed while the adjacent three apartments sustained some water and smoke damage.

Stephenville fire chief Wayne Reilly said residents in some of the damaged units could soon be moving back.

"Probably by the end of today, or sometime early tomorrow, at least two of the units will be ready for occupancy," said Reilly.

Reilly said the tenant in the destroyed apartment tried to douse the fire and was treated in hospital for minor injuries.

A firefighter was injured when he slipped on ice while battling the blaze.