Of the many decorative items used around your home during the holiday season—lights, trees, holly, and wreaths—one widely used item comes with greater risk—candles.
Each year candles are responsible for more than 100 deaths, over 900 injuries, and $418 million in property damage.
While candles are used throughout the year, there is an increase in the presence of candles during the holiday season. The National Candle Association finds that 35% of all candles are sold during the holiday season, and with the increase in sales comes a higher incidence of candle associated injuries and damages. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), “December candle fires often involve combustible seasonal decorations. . .reflect(ing) a combination of increased candle use and more things that can burn in the area around the candles.” In addition:
- 12% of all home candle fires occur in December.
- 45 candle fires occur during the holiday season, a 150% increase.
- The 3 days with the most reports of candle fires are New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, and Christmas.
At Burnett & Williams we’d like you to stay safe this holiday season by following a few simple candle safety precautions:
- Never leave a burning candle unattended. Unattended candles account for about one fifth of all candle fires.
- Make sure to place candles at least twelve inches away from anything that may burn.
- Blow out candles before going to bed.
- Never burn a candle all the way down.
- Place candles at least three inches apart from one another.
- Make sure there is no draft, vent, or fan interfering with the candle.
- If the candle repeatedly smokes, flickers, or goes too high, blow it out and cut a portion of the wick.
- Do not touch or move burning candles.