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 Candles
During
2005, an estimated 15,600 home structure fires started
by candles were reported to local fire departments.
These fires resulted in an estimated 150 civilian
deaths, 1,270 civilian injuries and an estimated direct
property loss of $539 million. Homes include dwellings,
duplexes, manufactured housing and apartments.
Facts
& figures
- Although home candle fires fell
8% from 2004 to 2005, more than twice as many were
reported in 2005 as in 1990.
- Candle fires accounted for an estimated
4% of all reported home fires in 2005.
- Thirty-eight percent (38%) of home
candle fires started in the bedroom, resulting in
41% of the associated civilian deaths.
Safety Tips
Candles may be pretty to look at but
they are a cause of home fires — and home fire deaths.
Remember, a candle is an open flame, which means that
it can easily ignite anything that can burn.
Candle with care
- 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.
- Keep candles at least 12 inches
away from anything that can burn.
If you do burn candles, make sure
that you...
- Use candle holders that are sturdy,
and won’t tip over easily.
- Put candle holders on a sturdy,
uncluttered surface.
- Light candles carefully. Keep
your hair and any loose clothing away from the flame.
- Don’t burn a candle all the way
down — put it out before it gets too close to the
holder or container.
- 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.
Article from the National
Fire Protection Association
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