RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas –
Candles can be popular for the ambience they impart to a romantic dinner or the pleasant scent they bring to a room. Unfortunately, their open flames can also spell disaster.
Burning candles started an estimated 15,600 residential structure fires in 2005, according to the National Fire Protection Association, but exercising common sense and following practical advice go a long way in making homes safer with the scent of candles in the air.
There are numerous tips for burning candles safely. A Randolph firefighter said it all begins with the basics.
"Some of the biggest mistakes people make when they burn candles deal with inattention to basic fire safety," said James Smith, fire protection inspector for Randolph Fire Emergency Services. "These include leaving candles burning when leaving the house or going to bed, placing candles too close to combustible materials or placing candles in holders that aren't sturdy and in easy-to-reach places for children and pets."
Tips for burning candles safely range from trimming the wick to a quarter of an inch before burning, to following the manufacturer's recommendations, but Mr. Smith further suggested following "a one-foot circle of safety."
"Ensure nothing is within a one-foot radius when burning a candle and definitely nothing should be above it," he said. "A lot of fires have occurred from candles burning in bathrooms, usually on the toilet tank cover. Those tend to catch hand towels or decorations on fire."
Candles come in many varieties, from taper to jar type. Mr. Smith said they "all have their own hazards."
"All are open flames and should be treated as such at all times," he said. "I haven't found where it states one candle is safer than the next, but I do know at least 74 candle manufacturers meet the American Society for Testing and Materials candle standard. A candle already contained in a jar is safer than one just put on a holder. Everything is contained in the jar - the wax, the wick and the flame itself."
Mr. Smith recommends flameless candles as an alternative to standard candles.
"They are fire-safe battery-powered candles made from real wax," he said. "The internal light source is a Light Emitting Diode bulb that glows and flickers like a real fire-burning wick."
Mr. Smith called flameless candles worry free.
"They can be placed near decorations, dried flowers and curtains and are safe near children and pets," he said.
Mr. Smith acknowledges the appeal of flame candles, but he also asks people to not underestimate their risks.
"Be smart when burning candles," he said. "When you light a candle, it's an open flames just sitting in your home. I know it looks great, smells wonderful and can be romantic, but it can lead to disaster if unattended."
Candle-burning Tips
· Trim the wick to one quarter of an inch each time before burning.
· Place the candle in a holder specifically designed for candle use - one that is heat resistant, sturdy and large enough to contain any drips or melted wax.
· Burn the candle in a well-ventilated room.
· Place the candleholder on a stable, heat-resistant surface.
· Avoid drafts, vents or air currents.
· Follow the manufacturer's recommendations on proper use.
· Do not carry lit candles during power outages. Use flashlights instead.
· Follow a one-foot circle of safety. Ensure nothing is within one foot of a burning candle and nothing should be above it.
· Be ready for trouble. Check the battery in your smoke alarms and inspect your fire extinguishers to make sure they are all ready to handle an emergency. Make an emergency evacuation plan with your family and practice it.
Courtesy of James Smith, Randolph Fire Emergency Services and the U.S. Fire Administration