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Holiday Fire Safety Tips: Candles and Incense

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According to the National Fire Protection Association, from 2014 to 2018, US fire departments responded to an average of 7,600 home fires started by candles per year. These fires cause an annual average of 81 civilian deaths and 677 civilian injuries, as well as $278 million in property damage.

During this period, candles were the third leading cause of bedroom fires, the fourth leading cause of living room fires and the sixth leading cause of home fire injuries. 

Candles aren’t only for birthday cakes and while flameless candles are the safest way to go, we know burning candles and incense are an important part of many religious, cultural, spiritual and personal celebrations. As we continue to enjoy this season’s important holidays, please pay special attention to the following Candle & Incense Safety Tips to keep your entire family safe:

  • Keep candles at least 12+ inches from anything that can burn.
  • Candleholders should be heat resistant, sturdy and large enough to contain any drips or melted wax and won’t tip over easily.
  • Put candle holders on a sturdy, uncluttered surface and where they won’t be knocked over.
  • Blow out all candles before you leave a room or go to bed.
  • Keep candles, incense, matches and lighters out of reach of children.
  • Don’t burn a candle all the way down — put it out before it gets too close to the holder or container.
  • Avoid the use of candles in the bedroom and other areas where people may fall asleep.

Please watch our new incense & candle fire safety video:

National Fire Protection Association: Candles Safety

https://www.nfpa.org//-/media/Files/Public-Education/Resources/Safety-tip-sheets/CandleSafetyTips.pdf

National Fire Protection Association: Religious Candles Safety

https://www.nfpa.org/~/media/files/public-education/resources/safety-tip-sheets/religious_candles_safety_tips.pdf

Seattle Fire Investigators Determine a Candle is the Cause of Vacant House Fire

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January 8, 2012—Seattle firefighters extinguished a fire at a vacant home in 2600 25th Avenue South in South Seattle. ARoudn 3:23 p.m., Engine Company 28 arrived to find heavy smoke coming from the roof and 1st and 2nd floors of the home.

Ladder Companies 3 and 12 forced entry into the locked home. Firefighters did not find anyone inside the smoke-filled house.

It took about 15 minutes for fire crews to knock down the flames. Inside, firefighters had to navigate around drug paraphernalia that was scattered across the floor.

Fire Investigators determined an unattended candle was the cause of the fire. The damage was limited to one wall and the floor. Since the building is boarded up and vacant, there are no estimated losses.

Investigators say Unattended Candles to Blame for Fire

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October 12– Seattle Fire Investigators determined unattended candles are responsible for an early morning fire near the University of Washington campus.

Around 1:00 a.m. Engine 17 arrived to find flames coming from the second floor of a two-story duplex with a basement. Fire arriving engines discovered all of the residents had self evacuated from the building at the 22 hundred block of NE 46th Street.

Firefighters mounted an aggressive interior attack on a second floor unit and were able to knock down the flames in less than 10 minutes.

Fire investigators say the fire cause was accidental but the damage estimate was 50 thousand dollars to the structure and 20 thousand dollars to the contents.
Fortunately there were no injuries.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), every year in the U.S, candle fires caused an average of 166 deaths, 1289 injuries and 450 million dollars in property damage. The NFPA estimates more than one third of home candle fires occur in the bedroom and 12% of the homes candle fires occurred when residents fell asleep.

The Seattle Fire Department’s Public Education Unit encourages residents to always put candles in candlesticks before you light them. Also, don’t use lit candles near flammable decorations and curtains. Never leave candles unattended or within the reach of young children.