Fire safety. candles

Increasingly, firefighters arrive on the scene of a deadly blaze to discover the destruction began from something as harmless-looking as a candle. Every day in the U.S., there are about 35 fires started by candles.

According to the most recent data from the National Fire Protection Association, there were more than 150 deaths and more than 15,000 fires started by candles in the U.S. Thirty-eight percent of home candle fires started in the bedroom, resulting in 41 percent of the associated civilian deaths.

More than half of all candle fires started when something that could burn – such as furniture, mattresses, bedding, curtains or decorations – was too close to the candle. Bedroom candle fires accounted for more than one-third of the candle fire deaths and more than half of the candle fire injuries.

To stay safe, here are some key fire safety tips to keep in mind when using candles:
1. Keep candles at least 12 inches from anything that can burn.

2. Never leave burning candles unattended. Extinguish all candles when you leave a room.

3. Make sure candles are placed into sturdy, safe candleholders that won’t tip over.

4. Be careful not to splatter wax when extinguishing a candle.

5. Avoid using candles in bedrooms and sleeping areas.

6. Always use a flashlight, not a candle for emergency lighting.

7. Consider using battery-operated flameless candles.

8. Keep candles out of reach of children. 

(Courtesy of the 435th Fire Prevention Office)