Warning to Consumers: Candle With Care

Santa Clara County Fire Dept Archives

The number of people killed by house fires started by candles has skyrocketed over the past two decades say officials from the Santa Clara County Fire Department. "Even though residential fires deaths have been nearly cut in half from 4,500 in 1980 to 2,660 in 1998, candle-related fire deaths have risen from 20 to 170, that is a 750 percent increase," says Christie Moore, Public Education Officer for the Santa Clara County Fire Department.

In addition, children playing with or near candles account for 10% of all candle fires. "Faced with fire, it is not uncommon for young children to hide in closets or under beds leading to tragic fatalities in these fires," Moore said. Children under the age of 5 are particularly vulnerable; they have a fire death rate that is more than twice the national average.

"Candles are no longer used for the occasional dinner party. In fact, only a small percent of candle fires start in dining rooms," reports the Arson Investigator for the Santa Clara County Fire Department. "Our fire department has responded to 11 candles fires in the last year alone. Most of those candle fires started in the bedroom, and 5 of them started in the bedrooms of teens."

While home fires continue to decrease from 655,000 in 1980 to 332,000 in 1998, candle fires have increased from 8,500 in 1980 to a 20-year high of 12,900 in 1998. In most cases, candles caused home fires when they were left unattended, tipped over and ignited nearby combustibles. 45.2% of all home candle fires start in the bedroom, followed by 17.5% in the family room, 11.2% start in the bathroom and about 6.3% of candle fires start in the kitchen.

"85% of all candle fire incidents are caused by consumer misuse, from combustibles being placed to close to the flame to people falling asleep while the candle is left burning. Most candle fires can easily be avoided."

The Santa Clara County Fire Department recommends consumers follow these safety tips:

• Burn candles inside a one foot "circle of safety" - an area that is free from anything that could come in contact with the flame and burn.
• Never leave candles burning unattended. Extinguish all candles when you leave the room or go to bed.
• Keep all matches, lighters and candles out of reach of children.
• Don't allow children or teens to have candles in their bedrooms.
• Place candles where they cannot be tampered with or knocked over by children and pets.
• Place candles in sturdy non-combustible holders.
• Keep candles away from drafts and vents.
• Always trim candle wicks to 1/4" before lighting (this allows the candle to burn efficiently with a smaller flame.)
• Extinguish taper or pillar candles when they get within 2" of their holders.
• Extinguish votive candles when the last 1/2" of wax begins to melt in their containers.

By following these simple steps, consumers can continue to enjoy candles safely. To learn more about candle safety, please visit your local fire station or contact Christie Moore of the Santa Clara County Fire Department at 408.341.4485 or 1.800.800.1793 extension 4485.