Bell Insurance Candle Safety

Candle Safety

The National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) reports candle fire incidents occur most often in the bedroom (45.2%), then in the family room (17.5%) and the bathroom (11.2%). The kitchen accounts for 6.3% of candle fire incidents. NFIRS also reports that the materials most often ignited by candles are cabinetry (9.4%); bedding (blankets, sheets, comforters, etc.) (7.7%); curtains and drapery (7.2%); mattresses & pillows (5.5%).

The most startling statistic from NFIRS is the fact that nearly 85% of the candle fire incidents were started because of consumer misuse of the product.

Here are a few safety tips to insure you do not have a house fire because of candle use.

Never leave a burning candle unattended.
Do not burn candles near flammable objects such as curtains, lampshades, or blankets
Burn only on heat resistant surfaces - they can become hot enough to damage furniture
Do not move a burning candle, or place in a draft
Keep candle free of foreign materials such as matches and wick clippings
Keep the wick trimmed to 1/4 inch (about the thickness of a pencil) to avoid excessive smoking
Do not burn if the candle container is cracked
Throw away the candle when less than 1/2 inch of wax remains