Candle fires are responsible for 5% of home fires, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). This was from a study over the 5 years (2014-2018). 5% looks small until you or someone you know is part of that statistic.  

Something that starts with a glowing candle and a nice ambience could end in a large fire razing down a building. Fire is destructive and can cause fatal injuries. This is why a candle, no matter how small, should be used with caution. This article contains tips on how to prevent house fires from a candle.  

 

1. Keep lit candles out of reach of children and pets.

The candle might look better on the table. But if you have a kid in the house or a pet, it might not be a good idea. Children can inadvertently knock the candle over. Pets sometimes don’t know what to do with their tails or how destructive fire could be. They might even be fascinated by it or the fragrance. Keep lit candles out of reach of children and pets to avoid candle fires at home. 

 

2. Every lit candle should be in your sight to avoid candle fires.

Don’t turn your back on lit candles. Once you light a candle, make sure you are in the same room, and the candle is in your sight. In case of a mishap, you can easily spot it and avert it. It also ensures you remember a candle is lit to prevent it from burning out. If you would be away from the candle, ensure it is not for a significant amount of time. If the candle won’t be attended to for a while, put it out and re-light it when you are back. 

 

3. Use candleholders and use them appropriately to prevent candle fires .

Candleholders can significantly prevent candle fires at home, but it is not enough. Use candle holders that work for that particular type of candle. A candleholder must be fire resistant and should be able to collect dripping wax. It should also be sturdy, so it is not easily tripped over by a breeze or slight touch.  

 

4. Don’t try to “finish” the candles.

Don’t wait till the candle burns out before you put it out. Leave about ½ inch of the candle to prevent candle fire. If it is a pillar candle, put it out once you have about two inches left. 

 

5. Make sure the candles don’t burn unevenly to prevent candle fires.

Make sure the candle is not burning unevenly. You can avoid this by trimming the wick and keeping candles away from the window or excess air. If you are using more than one candle at once, keep them at least 3 inches from one another. This prevents the heat from one candle from melting the other. 

 

6. Prevent candle fires by keeping your candles away from excess breeze

Apart from making the candle burn unevenly, excess breeze could topple the candle over. Keep your candles away from open windows, fans, and other sources of excess breeze to prevent candle fires. The breeze could blow the candle flame in the way of materials that can easily catch fire. It also makes the candle burn out faster than you would predict.

 

7. Keep flammable materials away, and don’t use flammable sprays.

Don’t spray air freshener, perfume, insecticides, or any other flammable substance close to the open flame. Unless you want to set the entire house on fire. Don’t place the candle close to any decoration, curtains, clothes, and the likes. Christmas day has the highest incidence of candle fires. This is because many people light candles during the holiday and there are a lot of Christmas decorations around.

In conclusion, a lit candle is an open flame and could be the source of a fire mishap. This is why it is important to be very cautious when using a candle. You can prevent candle fires at home with some simple precautions. We have provided you some of the most helpful tips to help you stay safe while using your candles.