Candle Fire Safety

People have safely enjoyed using candles for centuries.  Their colors and scents enhance everyday life and evoke memories of special events.  Candles are a source of light and delight when used properly and according to manufacturers' directions.  However, if certain precautions are not taken by the consumer, candles can also become a factor in a chain of events that can result in unnecessary injury and even death.

According to U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), the soaring popularity of candles has led to an increase in reported candle fires.  The USFA currently estimates that candles are responsible for approximately 10,000 residential fires each year, along with 1,000 civilian injuries, 85 fatalities and $120 million in property loss.  Estimates based on 1994-1998 data from USFA's National Fire Incident Reporting System, and the National Fire Protection Agency, suggest that candle fire incidents occur most often in the bedroom (44.5%); followed by the living room, family room or den (18.6%); the bathroom (11.4%), and the kitchen (7.2%). Materials most often ignited by candles were mattresses or bedding (12.8%); cabinetry (10.1%); and curtains, blinds or draperies (8.4%).

The leading causes for residential candle fire incidents were reported as follows:

Candle usage is increasing, and it is clear that the consumer does not understand the power or danger of candles.  Most candle fires involve some kind of usage error, such as leaving candles unattended or some other inadequate control.  Other common usage include leaving some form of combustible material too close to a candle, children playing with candles, and occupants falling asleep while candles are still burning.  But, there is also room for improvement in candle design, and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has issued recalls for some candles, candle holders, and candle shades in the past five years.

Candles are safe when burned properly, responsibly, and according to manufacturers' directions. When burning candles, consumers should always follow these basic safety rules:

Lighted candles should always be within sight. Never leave a burning candle unattended.

Never burn a candle on or near anything that can catch fire.

Keep candles out of the reach of children and pets.

Read and follow all manufacturer instructions carefully.

Trim the wick to ¼ inch each time before burning.

Always use an appropriate candleholder placed on a stable, heat-resistant surface.

Keep burning candles away from drafts, vents and air currents.

Extinguish a candle if it smokes, flickers repeatedly, or the flame becomes too high. Cool, trim wick, check for drafts, and re-light.

Keep the wax pool free of wick trimmings, matches and debris at all times.

Do not burn a candle for longer than the manufacturer recommends.

Always burn candles in a well-ventilated room.

Extinguish the flame if it comes too close to the holder or container. For a margin of safety, discontinue burning a candle when 2 inches of wax remains (1/2 inch if in a container).

Never touch or move a votive or container candle when the wax is liquid.

Extinguish pillar candles if the wax pool approaches the outer edge.

Place lighted candles at least 3 inches apart from one another.

Candles are a pleasant accessory for your home, but they need to be taken seriously.  Protect yourself and your family by following these important safety tips while burning candles.  Always use common sense, and remember...

You are playing with fire!

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