Every year countless numbers of people suffer from fires due to candles. Candles are a popular home decor item, but left unattended or burnt not according to directions, they become a serious problem and fire hazard. If you are burning candles in your home it is important to understand what you can do to make sure you do not fall victim to a candle started fire.
Main Reasons for Candle Fires
The top reason why candles cause so many fires is that people falsely believe they are safe. Most people would never leave a burning fire unattended, but when it comes to candles they do not think twice about leaving one burning without being there to watch it. This is a major fault and one of the reasons candle fires are so numerous.
Another major reason is that people do not burn candles safely according to the directions. Most people do not trim the wick, or place candles on the appropriate surface which can both lead to fires. Additionally, people often do not pay attention and allow combustible items too close to a burning candle, which then makes it a fire safety issue.
Lastly, yet another reason for candle fire safety issues is that people do not ensure the candle is burning in a safe spot. The candle gets knocked over or the flame is blown around and a fire gets started quicker than a person may think.
Easy Tips for candle Safety
- Burn candles in an area away from curtains, furniture and other combustible items.
- Keep candles out of breezy areas.
- Do not burn candles unattended when children or pets are around.
- Keep wicks trimmed per manufacturer’s directions.
- Only used approved containers for candle burning.
- Adjust wicks if they move and allow the candle to burn too close to the containers sides.
- Do not allow a candle to burn too low. Follow directions on when to throw out the candle.
- Always extinguish candles when leaving the house or going to bed.
- Do not move burning candles.
- Only burn candles for the length of time directed by the manufacturer, usually a couple hours at a time.
- Do not use candles to light something else.
A Particular Warning
Gel candles are quite popular, but they have also proven to be rather dangerous. Gel candles are so popular because they burn longer than wax candles. However, this longer burning period increases the risk for fire hazards with the biggest risk being container explosion.
Additionally, many gel candles use wicks that are not as safe as the wicks used in wax candles. They also tend to use more fragrance which is highly flammable and hazardous.
Tags: Home Improvement
