One-third of candle fires occur after candles are left unattended, abandoned or inadequately controlled. Twenty-six percent occur when some form of combustible material is left or comes too close to the candle. Six percent are started by people, usually children playing with the candle.
By following a few simple safety procedures, you can limit the risk of candle fires to yourself, your family, and your neighbors:
- Never leave a lit candle unattended. Extinguish all candles when leaving a room or going to sleep.
- Use sturdy candleholders that are made from materials that can’t burn and are large enough to collect dripping wax.
- Place candles on an uncluttered, heat-resistant surface, out or reach of children and pets.
- Keep candles away from flammable liquids and away from items that can catch on fire (e.g., clothing, books, curtains, drapes, lampshades, bedding).
- Burn candles in a well-ventilated room, away from drafts and vents.
- Keep candlewicks trimmed to one-quarter-inch prior to use and extinguish taper and pillar candles when they get to within two-inch of the holder or decorative materials. Votives and containers should be extinguished before the last half-inch of wax starts to melt.
- Make sure matches, wick trimmings, and foreign objects are kept out of candle wax.
