Candle Safety 101
According to the National Candle Association (NCA), accidental candle fires account for approximately four percent of all U.S. residential fires (more than 15,000 candle fires are reported annually). According to fire experts, the bulk of candle-fire incidents are due to consumer inattention to basic fire safety or to the misuse of candles.
Furthermore, a study by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission indicates that 85 percent of candle fires could be avoided if consumers followed three basic safety rules:
- Never leave a burning candle unattended.
- Never burn a candle on or near anything that might catch fire.
- Keep candles out of the reach of children and pets.
The NCA offers the following tips regarding how to burn a candle safely:
- Before lighting, trim the wick to ¼ inch each time before burning.
- Always use a candleholder specifically designed for candle use (heat resistant, sturdy, and large enough to hold drips or melted wax).
- Burn candles in a well-ventilated room.
- Place the candleholder on a stable, heat-resistant surface.
- Keep the wax pool clear of wick trimmings, matches and debris at all times.
- Avoid placing candles in drafts, vents or air currents.
- Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations on burn time and proper use.
During burning:
- Never touch or move the candle, and never move a votive or container candle when the wax is liquefied.
- Never burn a candle all the way down. Instead, put the candle out when 2 inches of wax remains (1/2 inch if in a container).
- Extinguish a candle if the flame becomes too high or flickers repeatedly. Let the candle cool, trim the wick, and check for unwanted drafts before re-lighting.
- Always keep a burning candle within your sight.
When extinguishing:
- Use a candle snuffer to extinguish a candle.
- Never use water to extinguish a candle.
- Make sure the candle is completely out and the wick ember is no longer glowing before leaving the room.
- Don’t touch or move the candle until it has completely cooled.
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