Candle Fire Safety

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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.

 

Causes 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.
• 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.

Recourse: USFA