• Don't leave the room or go to sleep while candles are burning.
• Keep candles a safe distance from items that can catch fire such as curtains, paper, clothing, books, Christmas trees, etc.
• Use sturdy, fire resistant candle holders that won't tip over easily, and are large to collect dripping wax.
• Don't place candles in windows, near blinds and curtains.
• Place candle holders on a sturdy uncluttered surface.
• Don't put candles in places where they could be knocked over by children or pets.
• Keep candles and all open flames away from flammable liquids.
• Keep candle wicks trimmed to 1/4" and put out the candle and discard when they are about two inches from the bottom of the candle holder.

Keeping Kids and Pets Safe From Candle Fires!

Always keep candles out of a child's reach. Children should be supervised, at all times, by an adult when there are lit candles present in a room. A child should not sleep in a room with a lit candle. Do not allow children or teens to have candles in their bedrooms.

Just one bump is all it takes to tip over a candle. So keep candles in a spot where children, pets, and even adults, won't bump into them. Candles should be placed in sturdy candleholders that are big enough to catch the melting wax. Keep candles up high so children can't touch them and your pets don't bump into them knocking them over or even worse, catching their fur on fire.

Always put the candles on a solid, flat, heat-resistant surface. And keep all items that can easily catch fire a safe distance from the candles.

During a Power Outage

• Try to avoid carrying a lit candle.
• Don't use a lit candle when searching for items in a confined space.
• Never use a candle for a light when checking pilot lites or fueling equipment such as a kerosene heater or lantern. The flame may ignite the fumes.

Why Candle Fires Start*

Unattended, abandoned or inadequately controlled candles accounted for 37% of all candle related fires, 19% occurred because some form of combustible material was left too close to the candle, 9% occurred because children were playing with candles or something flammable near candles.

Mattresses or bedding were first ignited in 13% of these fires. Cabinetry, curtains, interior wall coverings, upholstered furniture and decorations were also sources for ignition, ranked respectively.

Fires From Candles are on the Rise : Why So Many Candle Fires?

An increasing popularity for scented designer candles and the practice of relaxation with aromatherapies has expanded a market from religious, romantic, and power outage usage into a booming big business.

Candles today are made in every color, every scent, every size and shape imaginable. Some candles are designed for younger children, all have added to the danger. As the popularity in candles grows so does the risks for fire and fire deaths.

Also note, almost half of all candle fires start in the bedroom, and in the month of December, almost twice the number of home candle related fires occur, more than any other time of the year.

Be Smart - Don't Let Fire Start

• Install smoke detectors on every level of your home.
• Practice a fire escape plan with your entire family - remember, stay low and crawl to safety.
• Keep this brochure handy and have everyone in your family read it.

< Back to Fire Prevention