Be Careful with Candles in Your Home

Candles smell nice but they can also be dangerous in the home.  From 2015-2019 U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated 7,400 home structure fires that were started by candles, reports the National Fire Protection Association.  These fires caused an annual average of 90 deaths, 670 injuries, and $291 million in direct property damage.  Rabun County Assistant Fire Chief Justin Upchurch offers these safety tips about candles.  “Well, everybody loves candles.  They love how they make your house smell good but they can be a cause of home fires and home fire deaths.  Remember, a candle is an open flame, which means it can easily ignite anything that can burn.  Roughly one-third of home candle fires started in the bedroom and more than half of all candle fires start when things that can burn are too close to it.  So, some helpful hints about using a candle.  Always consider using battery-operated flameless candles, which can look, smell, and feel like a real candle.  When using candles, place them in a sturdy, safe candle holder that will not burn or tip over.  Protect flames with a glass tin used for candles.  Keep candles at least 12-inches from anything that can burn.  Never leave a burning candle unattended because a burning candle could start a fire.  Avoid using candles in bedrooms, bathrooms, and sleeping areas.  Extinguish candles when you leave a home or when you leave the room and when you go to bed.  Keep children and pets away from burning candles.  Be careful not to splatter wax when you extinguish your candle.  Never use a candle where medical oxygen is being used.  Medical oxygen can cause materials to ignite more easily, can burn at a faster rate than normal, and it can make an existing fire burn faster and hotter.  Lastly, use only battery-powered lights in tents, trailers, motor homes, and boats.”  Please follow this candle safety advice from the Rabun County Fire Department.