Candle Fire Risk

9/21/2020 (Permalink)

Fire Damage From Candle

Candle Safety

Candles may make a cozy feeling in your home this fall and winter, but they can also be a cause for home fires.  According to the National Fire Protection Association, 3 out of every 5 candle fires start when things that can burn are placed too close to the candle.  

Here are some tips that you should follow for candle safety:

• Blow out candles before leaving a room or going to bed
• Keep candles one foot away from anything that can burn
• Use a sturdy candle holder, that will not tip over easily
• Put candle holders on a sturdy and unclutter surface
• Light candles carefully, keep your hair and any loose clothing away from the flame
• Keep candles out of reach from kids and pets
• Do not let the candle burn all the way to the bottom; put it out before it gets too close to the container or holder
• You should not light a candle if oxygen is used in the home
• During a power outage, use a flashlight or battery-operated lighting instead of a candle

Remember candles are an open flame which means they can easily ignite. Use a candle snuffer to extinguish a candle. It's the safest way to prevent hot wax from splattering. Never use water to extinguish a candle. Water can cause the hot wax to splatter and might break a glass container. Make sure the candle is completely out and the wick ember is no longer glowing before leaving the room.

Contact Us

If you have any additional questions about fire or smoke damage, please feel free to contact SERVPRO of Mankato/Owatonna at 507-200-3700.