Candles may be pretty to look at, but they are a major cause of home fires - and home fire deaths. 

December is the peak time of year for home candle fires with Christmas Day having more candle fires than any other calendar day.

The top five days for home candle fires are Christmas, Christmas Eve, New Year’s Day, New Year’s Eve, and Halloween.

Remember, a candle is an open flame and can easily ignite anything that can burn!

• Never leave a burning candle unattended.  Blow out all candles when you leave the room or go to bed. 

• Avoid the use of candles in the bedroom and other areas where people may fall asleep, 40% of home fires started by candles begin in the bedroom!

• Keep candles at least 1 foot away from anything that can burn.

Candle Fire Facts:

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that candles caused by fires are the fastest growing cause of fires in North America.

Learn More . . .

If You Do Burn Candles:

• Use candle holders that are non-combustible, sturdy and won't tip over easily.
• Use candle holders that are sized and designed to sufficiently contain any melted/dripping wax the candle may produce.
• Place candle holders on a sturdy, uncluttered surface heat/fire resistant surface.
• Keep candles away from curtains, blinds, newspaper, wallpaper, upholstered furniture and any other other combustibles.
• Don't place candles near doorways or windows where a draft could bring combustibles in contact with the flame, or knock the candle over.
• Light candles carefully.  Keep your hair and any loose clothing away from the flame.
• Keep candle wicks trimmed.  This is essential for the candle to burn cleanly, safely and without smoking.  Trim candles wicks to about 1/4" every time you burn them.
• Don't burn a defective candle.  If it is not burning properly - if it's sputtering or smoking or the flame is burning too high - don't burn it.
• Don't burn a candle all the way down - put it out before it gets too close to the holder or container.
• When extinguishing candles, never leave the room until wicks have stopped glowing.
• Never use a candle if oxygen is used in the home.
• Have flashlights and battery-powered lighting ready to use during a power outage.  Never use candles.

Candles And Kids:
	Never leave a child alone in a room with a burning candle. Keep matches and lighters up high and out of children's reach, in a locked cabinet. Do not allow Teens to burn candles in a bedroom. Do not allow kids to play with candles, dripping wax, or with materials that could catch fire near candles.

Articles Worth Reading:

Candles & Residential Fires

by Tom Silver,

Fire Prevention Officer, HRFES

Fires Caused By Candles A Growing Concern   Candle Fires Skyrocketing