Candle Fire Safety

Use Candles with Care

Candle Statistics

Candles cause an estimated 15,600 fires in residential structures, 150 deaths, 1,270 injuries, and $539 million in estimated direct property damage each year.

• Over half (55%) of home candle fires start because the candle is too close to some combustible material.
• More candle fires (38%) begin in the bedroom than in any other room.
• Falling asleep is a factor in 12% of home candle fires and 26% of the associated deaths.
• Half of all civilian candle fire deaths occur between Midnight and 6am.
• December is the peak month for candle fires; Christmas is the peak day.
• Young children and older adults have the highest death risk from candle fires.
• The risk of a fatal candle fire appears higher when candles are used for light.

Source: National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) - Candle Fires, September 2007.

Tragic and Preventable Candle Fires

• Three sleeping boys died when a candle left burning in the living room ignited nearby combustibles.
• A man and his three children died in a fire when hot wax from an unattended candle dripped on curtains, igniting them.
• Eleven members of a family died in a fire when a lighted candle ignited a mattress.
• Two children died in a fire when a lighted candle rolled under the Christmas tree.
• A mother and young baby died when a burning candle used for religious observances ignited cabinetry.

Fact: The majority of candle fires result from human error and negligence.

Candle Fire Safety Tips

• Avoid using lighted candles.
• If you do use candles, ensure they are in sturdy metal, glass, or ceramic holders and placed where they cannot be easily knocked down.
• Keep candles out of the reach of children and pets.
• Set a good example by using matches, lighters, and fire carefully.
• Children should never be allowed to play with matches, lighters or candles.
• Never put candles on a Christmas tree.
• Never leave the house with candles burning.
• Extinguish candles after use.
• Establish a fire-safe home, especially a safe sleeping environment.
• And NEVER leave burning candles unattended!