Whether you’re using candles to mark special events or create a charming atmosphere in your home, always remember that open flames are potential fire hazards. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the careless use of candles causes nearly 10,000 residential fires each year. Here are some helpful candle fire safety tips from fire damage restoration professionals.
Candle Fire Safety Tips To Keep Your Home Safe
Candle Fire Safety Dos
1. Burn candles in well-ventilated rooms.
Proper ventilation helps disperse any smoke or fumes produced by the candle, reducing the risk of respiratory issues and ensuring that the flame remains steady.
2. Keep candles at least one foot away from flammable objects.
Always maintain a safe distance between candles and flammable items such as furniture, curtains, paper, plants, or electronics. This precaution helps prevent accidental fires that can start when these items come into contact with an open flame.
3. Burn candles in sturdy candle holders.
Use durable candle holders that are designed to hold candles securely. Place these holders on horizontal, stable, and heat-resistant surfaces to prevent tipping and to safeguard surfaces from heat damage.
4. Keep lit candles at least three inches apart.
Ensure that candles are spaced at least three inches apart from each other. This separation prevents the candles from melting one another, which can lead to uneven burning and increased fire risk.
5. Keep candles out of the reach of children and pets.
Children and pets are naturally curious and could accidentally knock over a lit candle, causing burns or starting a fire. Keep candles in areas that are inaccessible to them to ensure their safety.
6. Always supervise rooms with lit candles.
Never leave a room with a lit candle unattended. If you need to leave the room or go to bed, make sure to blow out all candles. Continuous supervision helps prevent accidents and allows you to respond quickly in case of any issues.
7. Consider replacing burning candles with battery-operated flameless candles.
Battery-operated flameless candles are a safer alternative to traditional candles. They mimic the look and smell of real candles without the risk of fire. These flameless options provide ambiance and fragrance while significantly reducing the potential for accidents.
Candle Fire Safety Don’ts
1. Don’t burn too many candles in a small room where air exchange is limited.
Burning multiple candles in a confined space can deplete oxygen levels and increase carbon dioxide, leading to poor air quality and potential health hazards. Limited air exchange can also cause a buildup of soot and smoke, creating a fire hazard and damaging surfaces.
2. Don’t burn candles in rooms with vents, drafts, fans, or air currents.
Burning candles in areas with strong air currents can lead to rapid, uneven burning and flame flare-ups, which can cause the candle to burn improperly and produce excessive soot. These conditions can also increase the risk of the flame spreading to nearby flammable objects.
3. Don’t use candles in bedrooms or other sleeping areas.
Statistically, most fires started by candles occur in the bedroom where people often fall asleep with candles still burning. Avoid using candles in any sleeping area to prevent accidents that could lead to severe injuries or fatalities.
4. Avoid burning candles all the way down.
To minimize the risk of overheating the glass container or causing a fire, extinguish candles when there are at least two inches of wax left, or ½ inch if they are in a container. Burning candles completely can lead to the candle container breaking or the surface underneath catching fire.
5. Don’t move candles when they’re burning.
Moving a lit candle can cause hot wax to spill, leading to burns and potential fire hazards. Always extinguish the candle before moving it to prevent accidents and injuries.
6. Avoid using candles during a power outage.
Handling candles in the dark increases the risk of knocking them over, causing a fire or injury. Instead, use flashlights or battery-powered lighting during a power outage to safely illuminate your home without the fire risk associated with open flames.
7. Never use water to put out a candle.
Using water to extinguish a candle can cause hot wax to splash, potentially leading to burns and spreading the fire. Instead, use a candle snuffer or gently blow out the flame, ensuring that the wick is fully extinguished to safely put out the candle.
Call PuroClean for Certified Fire Restoration Services
Although candles are potential fire hazards in homes, cooking equipment is the leading cause of home fires. Learn how to prevent kitchen fires in this article. For professional fire damage repair or smoke remediation services, contact your local PuroClean office.
