Home Safety

Holiday Caution – Candles Cause 18,000 Fires Each Year

Aug 26, 2011

Candles are everywhere and have been used for centuries. Some can remember when candles were the only source of lighting. But, did you know that candle fires account for approximately 5% of all reported residential fires? That’s 18,000 fires in homes each year! These fires resulted in an estimated 130 deaths, 1,350 injuries and property loss of $333 million dollars.
According to statistics, 40 % of home candle fires start in the bedroom, and account for 30% of the associated deaths. Why is this? The candles were too close to combustible materials, such as the bedding or draperies, left unattended or abandoned, or left to burn out. 5 % were started by people playing with the candle. Falling asleep with candles left burning was a factor in 12% of residential fires, leading to 25% of residential fire deaths.

So, what can we do to change these frightful statistics? Here are some safety tips:

    • Extinguish all candles when leaving the room or going to sleep.
    • Keep candles away from items that catch fire.
    • Use sturdy candleholders that are made of non-burnable materials.
    • Keep candles and all open flames away from flammable liquids.
    • Keep candlewicks trimmed to one-quarter inch and extinguish taper and pillar candles when they get to within two inches of the holder. Votives and containers should be extinguished before the last half-inch of wax starts to melt.
    • Keep candles away from gas powered appliances.
    • Avoid carrying a lit candle. Use a flashlight.
    • Be extra careful with animals in the home. They can upset candles.

When children are present:

    • Keep candles up high and out of reach of children.
    • Never leave children unattended in a room with a candle. A child should not sleep in a roomwith a lit candle.
    • Keep all matches and lighters up high and out of the sight of children, preferably in a locked cabinet

I am sure many of you are saying, what about during power outages? If you do use candles during power outages, remember these important items:

    • Avoid carrying a lit candle. Don‚Äôt bring candles into closets or confined areas. Use a flashlight
    • NEVER USE A CANDLE FOR LIGHT WHEN CHECKING PILOT LIGHTS or fueling equipment such as generators, kerosene heaters, or lanterns.
    • Extinguish all candles when leaving home or when going to sleep. Remember, if you go out, blow them out “
    • Don’t allow children to use candles without supervision‚ at any time!

Flashlights and other battery-operated lighting are much safer light sources, that can, and should, be used during power outages. Another safe alternative is the “glowstick” found at most hardware or sporting goods stores.

Candles are beautiful, and when used in a safe manner.