101 Critical Days of Summer: Using Candles Safely

  • Published
  • By Edwards Fire Prevention Office
  • Edwards Air Force Base Federal Fire Department
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Candles may be pretty, but they pose a potential fire hazard. When lit, the open flame can easily ignite anything that burns and potentially cause a house fire. Using the tips below can help to not only to enjoy candles but keep safe while using them.

The following candle handling safety tips and statistics are from the U.S. Fire Administration Web site.

Candle Fire Safety Tips:
- 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.
- Never leave burning candles unattended!

Candle Statistics:
- Candles cause an estimated 15,600 residential structure fires, 150 deaths, 1,270 injuries, and $539 million in direct estimated property damage each year.
- Over half (55 percent) of home candle fires start because the candle is too close to some combustible material.
- More candle fires (38 percent) begin in the bedroom than in any other room.
- Falling asleep is a factor in 12 percent of home candle fires and 26 percent of the associated deaths.
- Half of all civilian candle fire deaths occur between Midnight and 6 a.m.
- 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.

For questions regarding any fire safety issues, please call the Edwards AFB Fire Prevention Division at 661-277-3643/3124. Remember, in case of an emergency dial 9-1-1 from a duty or home phone. If you are calling from a mobile phone, call 661-277-4540 or 4541.