The estimated toll taken by fires started by candies in 2004 was 200 deaths, 1,540 injuries, and nearly $200 million in direct property loss as reported by the National Fire Protection Association in a publication titled Home Candle Fires (Ahrens:11/06).
While they can provide a relaxing atmosphere and compliment a home’s decor, candles can also greatly increase the chance of property damage, injury or death from fire as evidenced by the above estimates.
According to the National Candle Association, the 1990’s saw a surge in the popularity of candles which are now found in nearly 70 percent of homes in the US. But with this increased popularity, there is a downside. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that the number of residential fires caused by candles rose from 6,800 in 1990 to 23,400 in 2001. The number of fires has declined since then but remains well above the 1990 figures.
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.
Paraffin is the most commonly used candle wax today. Beeswax, soy wax, palm wax, gels, and synthesized waxes are also used in candle-making for the U.S. market, as are blends of waxes. Waxes burn with a yellow flame due to the presence of carbon. There is no such thing as a soot-free wax. All organic compounds when burned will emit some carbon (soot) due to incomplete combustion. Soot production is primarily a factor of wick length and flame disturbance. (National Candle Association, www.candles.org )
Candle Fire Facts
The NFPA publication reveals some interesting trends regarding candle fires during a five year period from 2000 to 2004, including:
• 54% of home candle fires occurred when some form of combustible material was left or came too close to a candle. In 20% of those cases, the candle was unattended.
• 4% of fires were started by people (usually children) playing with candles.
• Falling asleep was a factor in l2% of home candle fires and 25% of the associated deaths.
• 38% of home candle fires started in the bedroom, resulting in 35% of the associated deaths.
• December (14%) had almost twice the number of home candle fires of an average month (8%).
• Christmas Day was the peak day of the year for home candle fires. Christmas Eve ranked second, and New Year’s Day was third.
Candles and Fire Safety
A 2001 pilot study by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimated that nearly 85% of candle fires could be prevented if people followed three basic safety rules:
1. Never leave a burning candle unattended.
2. Never burn a candle on or near anything that might catch fire.
3. Keep candles out of the reach of children and pets.
ASTM International, a voluntary standards organization, has published five standards covering fire safety, emissions, labeling requirements, standard terminology and candle accessories. The intent of these standards is to reduce the frequency of candle fires, and NCA members have pledged to manufacture candles in accordance with these standards.
There have been over 100 product recalls since 1990 involving candles and candle accessories. Most of the recalls are due to fire hazards. Information concerning product recalls is available at www.cpsc.gov .
A Safer Alternative
An electric candle warmer is a safer alternative to burning a candle. These devices, similar to crock pots, use low heat instead of an open flame to melt candle wax and allow the candle’s scent to permeate throughout a space. These warmers also eliminate the production of soot, which can damage ceilings, walls, floors and personal belongings. Candle warmers are readily available at department and specialty stores. Only purchase a candle warmer that is Underwriters Laboratory® (UL) listed.
If you do burn candles, please follow these recommendations:
Keep at least one foot, in all directions, between candles and combustibles such as decorations, bedding or curtains.
Make sure that curtains are secured and cannot be blown over the candle by wind.
Keep candles in a place where they cannot be knocked over by a pet.
Keep candles, lighters and matches out of the reach of children.
Never leave a lit candle unattended and never leave a child alone in a room with a lit candle.
Burn candles on sturdy, noncombustible holders that cannot tip over easily and are large enough to collect dripping wax.
Keep candle wicks trimmed to 1/4” and extinguish them when there is 2” of wax remaining–or 1/2” if the candle is in a container.
Use flashlights during a power outage and never carry a lit candle.
Extinguish all candles before you leave the house or go to bed.
Purchase candles that are properly labeled and made by a reputable manufacturer belonging to the NCA.
Hopefully these safety tips will not only help you during the holiday season, but all year long too!
