Photo by: Ben Saladino.
Apartment units caught fire at Collins Park at Bear Creek Apartments in August. Over 40 people were affected by this fire. The source of the fire was a candle.

Candle Fire Safety

They are a warm-creating, light-giving, odor-covering addition to almost every home, yet they can be one of the most dangerous items in your house. We're referring to candles.

Candles continue to be a significant factor in fires in the United States and have contributed to significant fires in the Euless area. In 2002, the United States experienced approximately 18,000 fires caused by candles. These fires caused an estimated 130 deaths, 1,350 injuries and $333 million dollars in property loss according to the National Fire Protection Association.

What can you do to protect your home or business from a dangerous fire caused by a candle?

• Extinguish all candles when leaving a room or going to sleep.
• Keep candles away from items that can catch fire, including curtains, clothing and books.
• Place candles in a secure place where they won't be knocked over or bumped.
• Use sturdy, non-combustible candle holders that won't tip easily and are wide enough to collect dripping wax.
• Never use candles around flammable or combustible liquids.
• Never carry a lit candle!
• Keep candle wicks trimmed to 1/4" and extinguish taper and pillar candles when they get to within two inches of the holder. Votive candles should be extinguished when the last 1/2" of wax starts to melt.
• Some candles, such as tea lights, can melt plastic. Be sure they are on a non-combustible surface.
• Candles generate a lot of heat and can ignite combustible materials above them.
• Don't lean across a candle. Clothing and hair can ignite very easily
• Keep children and pets away from areas where you are burning candles.
• When you put them out, double check in a few minutes. Candles can smolder and reignite with tragic consequences. Be certain they are out!