By the Numbers: Candle Fires
- 15,260
- estimated number of home candle fires each year
- 166
- estimated number of home candle fire deaths each year
- 1,289
- estimated number of home candle fire injuries each year
- 55%
- of home candle fires start because the candle is too close to combustible materials
- 20%
- of candle fires begin when candles are unattended or abandoned
- 36%
- of home candle fires begin in the bedroom, more than in any other room
- ½
- of candle fire deaths occur between Midnight and 6 am
Top Five Days for Home Candle Fires
- Christmas Day
- Christmas Eve
- New Year’s Day
- Halloween
- December 23
Source: Home Candle Fires, NFPA Fire Analysis and Research, Quincy, MA, June 2010
Candle Fire Safety
Causes and Circumstances of Home Candle Fires
- On average, 42 home candle fires are reported every day.
- More than half of all candle fires start when something that could burn, such as furniture, mattresses or bedding, curtains, or decorations is too close to the candle.
- In one-fifth (20%) of candle fires, the candles are unattended or abandoned.
- Over one-third (36%) of home candle fires begin in the bedroom.
- Falling asleep is a factor in 12% of home candle fires and 36% of the associated deaths.
- December is the peak time of year for home candle fires. In December, 13% of home candle fires begin with decorations compared to 4% the rest of the year.
- One-half of home candle fire deaths occur between Midnight and 6 am.
- Young children and older adults have the highest death risk from candle fires.
- The risk of fatal candle fires appears higher when candles are used for light.
Sources: NFIRS, NFPA
Candle Safety Tips
Put candles in sturdy metal, glass or ceramic holders.
- Consider using battery-operated flameless candles, which can look, smell and fell like real 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.
- Avoid using candles in bedrooms and sleeping areas.
- Extinguish candles after use and before going to bed.
- Keep candles at least 12 inches from anything that can burn.
- 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 use a candle where medical oxygen is being used. The two can combine to create a large, unexpected fire.
- Always use a flashlight – not a candle – for emergency lighting.
- Never put candles on a Christmas tree.
- When using in home worship, don't place lit candles in windows, where blinds and curtains can close over them, or pass handheld candles from one person to another. To lower the risk of fire, candles should be used by only a few designated adults.
- And NEVER leave burning candles unattended!
Remember! Candle fires are PREVENTABLE!
In the event of a fire, remember time is the biggest enemy and every second counts!
Escape first, and then call for help. Develop a home fire escape plan and practice it frequently with your family. Designate a meeting place outside. Make sure everyone in the family knows two ways to escape from every room.
Never stand up in a fire, always crawl low under the smoke, and try to keep your mouth covered. Never return to a burning building for any reason: it may cost you your life.
Finally, having a working smoke alarm dramatically increases your chances of surviving a fire.
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