Candle Fires

  • The bedroom is the most common room in the house where candle fires start
  • Deaths due to candle fires are particularly preventable
  • Having a working smoke alarm reduces one's chance of dying in a fire nearly one-half

Candle Fires Life-Saving Tips

Following these simple fire safety tips can increase your survival rate dramatically:

  • Ensure candles are in sturdy metal, glass, or ceramic holders and put where they cannot be tipped over
  • In case of a fire, stay low to the ground beneath the smoke, and have an escape plan already worked out; get out, stay out
  • Install a smoke alarm on every level of your home, test smoke alarm batteries every month and change them at least once a year; consider installing a 10-year lithium battery-powered smoke alarm, which is sealed so it cannot be tampered with or opened
  • Keep candles out of reach of children and pets, children are one of the highest risk groups for death in residential fires
  • Keep lit candles away from bedding, curtains, papers and anything else that can ignite easily
  • Most candle fires occur in bedrooms; keep your home, especially the bedrooms, fire-safe
  • Never leave a lit candle unattended
  • Put out candles after use