January 19, 2012–Last night an unattended candle started a fire at a Seattle apartment complex located in the 1600 block of Yale Avenue. The damage was limited to one apartment but it did cause the evacuation of residents into the cold winter night. This is the second apartment complex fire this week caused by unattended candles.
On Monday, Seattle Fire Investigators determined unattended candles started a fire that caused $130,000 in damage at an apartment complex located on West Galer street.
Candles are used in 70% of American households. Yet a study by the National Fire Protection Association shows that only 30% of adults who use candles have a specific household rule to never leave a burning candle unattended. The Seattle Fire Department suggests it is a perfect time to consider adopting the following candle safety rules in your home.
- 1. Always keep burning candles within sight. Extinguish all candles when leaving a room or before going to sleep.
- Always use a candleholder specifically designed for candle use. The holder should be heat resistant, sturdy and large enough to contain any drips or melted wax.
- Keep burning candles away from items that can catch on fire such as furniture, drapes, bedding, carpets, books, paper, etc.
- If light is needed during a power outage, use battery-operated light source instead of candles.
