Remember that a candle is an open flame. It can easily ignite any combustible nearby.

Facts and Figures

• During 2004, candles started an estimated 17,200 house fires. These fires resulted in an estimated 200 civilian deaths, 1,540 civilian injuries and an estimated direct property loss of $200 million.
• The estimated number of home candle fires fell 6% from 2003 to 2004. The number of reported home candle fires has finally started to fall after climbing steadily from 1990 to 2001.
• Candle fires accounted for an estimated 4% of all reported home fires in 2004.
• Thirty-eight percent (38%) of home candle fires started in the bedroom, resulting in 35% of the associated civilian deaths.
• Reported home candle fires in 2004 is roughly two-and-a half times that of the 6,800 low reported in 1990.
• December had almost twice the number of home candle fires of an average month.
• More than half (54%) of home candle fires occurred when some form of combustible material was left or came too close to the candle; the candle was unattended or abandoned in 20% of the incidents; four percent were started by people (usually children) playing with candles.
• Falling asleep was a factor in 12% of home candle fires and 25% of the associated deaths.
• Christmas Day was the peak day of the year for home candle fires in 2000-2004. Christmas Eve ranked second and New Year’s Day was third.

Source: Home Candle Fires by Marty Ahrens, November 2006.

Safety Tips:

• Never leave a candle unattended.
• Extinguish all candles when leaving the room or going to sleep by using a candlesnuffer or a soft, directed breath. Be careful not to splatter wax when extinguishing.
• Do not allow children or teens to have candles in their bedrooms.
• Never place lit candles in windows. Keep candles at least one foot away from things that can catch fire, like clothing, books and curtains.
• Place candles on high and stable furniture and use candle holders that are study, won’t tip over easily, are made from a material that cannot burn, and are large enough to collect dripping wax.
• Keep candles and all open flames away from flammable liquids.
• Keep candle wicks trimmed to one-quarter inch and extinguish taper and pillar candles when they get to within two inches of the holder. Votive and containers should be extinguished before the last half-inch of wax starts to melt.
• During power outages, avoid carrying a lit candle. Use flashlights.
• Do not use of candles in bedrooms and sleeping areas.