Fire Safety

Candles are enjoying a surge in popularity, but along with the warm ambience they provide comes a sometimes deadly reminder that we have to treat them with the utmost care.  In Ontario, candles have burned their way into the top five causes of preventable fires at number five.  And unlike the four other causes, cooking, heating, electrical and smoking, the number of preventable candle fires is rising rather than falling.  In the 5 years from 1999 through 2003, twenty-one people in this province perished in fires started by the use of candles.

Like a lit cigarette or a pan on a stove, a burning candle without human supervision can be a disaster waiting to happen.  The small dancing flame of a candle may seem harmless enough, but always remember that big fires start small.

The best way to be certain that your burning candles will not start a fire is never to leave them unattended.  There are a number of things that can happen if you use candles without due care.  The following actions will reduce the threat of a candle fire in your home:

• Place candles on stable furniture, in sturdy holders that will catch dripping wax.
• Trim wicks to a quarter inch before lighting candles.
• If the power goes out, use flashlights for illumination, not candles.
• Keep candles away from all things that can catch fire.
• Place candles on higher furniture, where they won't be knocked over by children or pets.
• Never place lit candles in or very near to windows, where they could ignite blinds or curtains.
• Don't allow children or teens to have candles in their bedrooms
• Extinguish candles carefully, using a long-handled candle snuffer.  Snuff them out before they get too close to the holder.
• At holiday time, make sure candles are kept well away from Christmas trees and presents.

Because candles are often used at night or in a relaxing setting, there is always the danger of falling asleep with a candle burning.  Avoid using candles while you're in bed or dozing off on the couch.  By far, the majority of candle fires occur in bedrooms with mattresses and bedding materials being the most common things to catch fire.

Candle makers are improving their products in part because of pressure from consumer groups and fire associations.  Ask questions about the candles and candle-holders before you buy.  Read all instructions carefully and follow them to the letter.  Above all, keep in mind that no matter how safe manufacturers make their candle products, it is always imperative that the user "candle with care."  Don't allow carelessness to result in a candle fire in your home.