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Taylors Fire and Sewer District

3335 Wade Hampton Blvd, Taylors, SC 29687
Business Hours: 864-244-5596 | After Hours: 864-244-3980

Fire Safety – Candle Safety

Candle SafetyFrom  2014-2018, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated 7,610  home structure fires that were started by candles per year. These fires caused an annual average of 81  deaths, 677  injuries, and $278 million in direct property damage.

Remember that a candle is an open flame, which means that it can easily ignite anything that can burn. NFPA shares a few candle fire safety tips to consider.

During the five-year period of 2014-2018:

  • Candles caused 2% of reported home fires, 3% of home fire deaths, 6% of home fire injuries, and 4% of the direct property damage in home fires.
  • Roughly one-third (37%) of home candle fires started in bedrooms. These fires caused 40% of the associated deaths and 49% of the associated injuries.
  • Falling asleep was a factor in 10% percent of the home candle fires and 15% of the associated deaths.
  • On average, 21 home candle fires were reported per day.
  • Three of every five (60%) home candle fires occurred when some form of combustible material was left or came too close to the candle.
  • December is the peak time of year for home candle fires. In December, 12% of home candle fires began with decorations compared to 4% the rest of the year.

Source: NFPA’s Home Candle Fires report

Candles may be pretty to look at, but they can cause 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

  • Never leave a burning candle unattended. Burning candles can start a fire.
  • Blow out all candles when you leave the room or go to bed. Avoid the use of candles in bedrooms,  bathrooms, and other areas where people may fall asleep.
  • Keep candles at least 12 inches away from anything that can burn.
  • Consider using battery-operated flameless candles, which can look, smell, and feel like real candles.
  • When using candles, please place them in sturdy, safe candle holders that will not burn or tip over.
  • Protect candle flames with glass chimneys or containers.
  • Use only battery-powered lights in tents, trailers, motor homes, and boats.
  • Handheld candles should not be passed from one person to another at any time.

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 where medical oxygen is being used. The two can combine to create a large, unexpected fire. Medical oxygen can cause materials to ignite more easily
    and burn at a faster rate than normal. It can make an existing fire burn faster and hotter.
  • Have flashlights and battery-powered lighting ready to use during a power outage. Never use candles.

Candles and Kids

  • Never leave a child alone in a room with a burning candle.
  • Keep matches and lighters up high and out of children’s reach in a locked cabinet.

Printable Candle Safety Tips from NFPA

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