Use Candles with Care
Candles cause an estimated 15,600 fires in residential structures, 150 deaths, 1,270 injuries, and $539 million in estimated direct property damage each year.
- Over half (55%) of home candle fires start because the candle is too close to some combustible material.
- More candle fires (38%) begin in the bedroom than in any other room.
- Falling asleep is a factor in 12% of home candle fires and 26% of the associated deaths.
- Half of all civilian candle fire deaths occur between Midnight and 6am.
- December is the peak month for candle fires; Christmas is the peak day.
- Young children and older adults have the highest death risk from candle fires.
- The risk of a fatal candle fire appears higher when candles are used for light.
Source: National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) - Candle Fires, September 2007.
Tragic and Preventable Candle Fires
- Three sleeping boys died when a candle left burning in the living room ignited nearby combustibles.
- A man and his three children died in a fire when hot wax from an unattended candle dripped on curtains, igniting them.
- Eleven members of a family died in a fire when a lighted candle ignited a mattress.
- Two children died in a fire when a lighted candle rolled under the Christmas tree.
- A mother and young baby died when a burning candle used for religious observances ignited cabinetry.
Fact: The majority of candle fires result from human error and negligence.
Candle Fire Safety Tip
- Avoid using lighted candles.
- If you do use candles, ensure they are in sturdy metal, glass, or ceramic holders and placed where they cannot be easily knocked down.
- Keep candles out of the reach of children and pets.
- Set a good example by using matches, lighters, and fire carefully.
- Children should never be allowed to play with matches, lighters or candles.
- Never put candles on a Christmas tree.
- Never leave the house with candles burning.
- Extinguish candles after use.
- Establish a fire-safe home, especially a safe sleeping environment.
- And NEVER leave burning candles unattended!
Remember! Candle fires are PREVENTABLE!
In the event of a fire, remember time is the biggest enemy and every second counts!
Escape first, and then call for help. Develop a home fire escape plan and practice it frequently with your family. Designate a meeting place outside. Make sure everyone in the family knows two ways to escape from every room.
Never stand up in a fire, always crawl low under the smoke, and try to keep your mouth covered. Never return to a burning building for any reason: it may cost you your life.
Finally, having a working smoke alarm dramatically increases your chances of surviving a fire.
Material provided by the US Fire Administration