Candles Can Be Dangerous

There has been an alarming increase in home candle fires. In one study, one-third (36%) of home candle fires started when the candle was left unattended, abandoned or inadequately controlled, almost one-fifth (18%) occurred because the candle was too close to combustible materials, and 9% were started by children playing with the candles.

While almost half (44%) of all candle fires start in the bedroom, the use of candles for holiday decorating alters this pattern during December, when more home candle fires start in the family room or dining room. In December, 29% of home candle fires begin in the family room or den (compared to 17% during the rest of the year). Fifteen percent of the December candle fires begin when decorations catch fire, compared to only 3% during the rest of the year.

Tips for safe use of candles:

• Extinguish all candles when leaving a room or going to sleep.
• Keep candles well away from items that can catch fire, such as Christmas trees, flammable decorations, clothing, books, paper, curtains, etc.
• Use sturdy holders that will not tip over, on top of a secure piece of furniture. Make sure candle holders are non-combustible and big enough to collect dripping wax.
• Do not place lit candles in windows where blinds or curtains can close over them.
• Keep wicks trimmed to ¼ inch, and extinguish candles when they burn down within inches of the holder.
• Keep candles and all open flames away from flammable liquids.
• Do not use candles in places where they can be knocked over by children or pets.

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