Fire Marshal Urges Caution With Candles

Structure fires caused by candles in one-family and two-family houses, in apartments, and in mobile homes are far more likely to occur in December than in other months, in view of people using lit candles to celebrate the holiday season, according to Fire Marshal Bill Halstead.

Candles are a leading cause of structure fires in the United States. The winter holiday season is the peak period for sale of decorative candles.

The fire marshal is offering residents some advice on how to use candles safely.

*People should extinguish all burning candles when leaving a room or when going to sleep.

*Candles should be kept well away from items that may catch fire, such as clothing, books, paper, curtains, Christmas trees, and flammable decorations.

*People who burn candles should use sturdy candleholders that will not easily tip over, that are made of a material that will not burn, and that are large enough to collect dripping wax.

*Candleholders should be placed on sturdy, uncluttered surfaces. Candles should not be used in places where children or pets can knock them over.

*Lit candles should not be placed in windows where blinds and curtains can close over them.

The fire marshal also offers some advice regarding candles and the presence of children.

*Candles should be kept up high, out of the reach of children.

*Never leave a child unattended in a room with a candle.

*A child should not sleep in a room with a lit candle.

Mr Halstead urges that parents not allow children or teenagers to have candles in their bedrooms.

He also urges that parents store candles, matches, and lighters up high, out of children’s sight and reach. Such items should be stored in locked cabinets.

The fire marshal also offers some advice regarding the use of candles in power outages. Flashlights should be used instead of candles, whenever possible. Try to avoid carrying lit candles and do not use a lit candle when searching for items in a confined space.