Candle fires reached a 20-year high of 15,040 in 1999, resulting in 102 deaths, 1,473 civilian injuries and $278 million in property damage, according to the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) most recent records. Of home candle fires, almost half (44 percent) start in the bedroom, and the leading cause cited (37 percent) is unattended, abandoned or inadequately controlled candles.
By following a few simple safety procedures, you can limit the risk of candle fires to you, your family and your neighbors:
• Never leave a lit candle unattended. Extinguish all candles when leaving a room or going to
sleep.
• Use sturdy candleholders that are made from materials that can’t burn and are large enough to
collect dripping wax.
• Place candles on an uncluttered, heat-resistant surface and keep them out of the reach of
children and pets.
• Keep candles away from flammable liquids and away from items that can catch on fire (i.e.
clothing, books, curtains, drapes, lamp shades, bedding, etc.).
• Burn candles in a well-ventilated room, away from drafts and vents.
• Keep candlewicks trimmed to 1/4” prior to use and extinguish taper and pillar candles when they
get to within 2” of the holder or decorative materials. Votive candles and containers should be
extinguished before the last 1/2” of wax starts
to melt. Make sure matches, wick trimmings and
foreign objects are kept out of candle wax.
Tips adapted from the National Fire Protection Association and National Candle Association.
For additional information:
National Fire Protection Association,
http://www.nfpa.org
National Candle Association,
http://www.candles.org
Copyright 2002 * National Safety Council * All Rights Reserved.
For more information on reducing risk or any of our other services, please contact Jeff Harrison at jeff.harrison@cbservices.org or 800.807.0300 ext 2543