Candles

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.

Use candle holders that are sturdy, and won’t tip over easily.

See all safety tips.

AUDIO Lorrine Carli, NFPA Vice President of Communitcations, talks about candle safety: Candle Safety tips.

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.

Source: NFPA's "Home Candle Fires" report by Marty Ahrens, September 2007.