Candles are not just decorative objects at home, they have the ability to change any space by offering light and warmth in dark times. They are able to facilitate a calm and soothing environment that encourages relaxation following a busy day at work. Nevertheless, candles, while charming and powerful, can be highly hazardous if not handled correctly. This leads us to a crucial inquiry that homeowners worry about: “Can candles start fires?” If you enjoy using candles at home for decoration and lighting, this article provides crucial advice on safely using them.
The Danger of Candles
Similar to other household items that offer warmth and comfort, candles can also help you feel cozy during cold weather. They provide comfort but can be extremely dangerous if mishandled. Many homeowners often ignore this risk due to its overall appeal.
But just how dangerous are these candles? Can candles start fires? As per the NFPA report, approximately 21 fire incidents related to candle usage are reported every day. Regrettably, these fire incidents have caused 80 fatalities, over 700 injuries, and property damage exceeding $260 million. These numbers, alarming as they are, show us just how important candle safety is in our own homes.
Common Causes of Candle Fire
Can candles start fires and if so, what exactly causes a candle fire? Below are the common causes of fire accidents involving the use of candles.
- Leaving candles unattended – One of the leading causes of house fires involving candles is leaving burning candles unattended. Anyone can easily knock out an unattended burning candle, which can cause a fire in seconds.
- Combustible items placed near candles – Avoid placing flammable items near burning candles, as this may cause the items to ignite and cause fire.
- Incorrectly putting out fires – make sure the room is free from any burning candle and
How to Safely Use Candles
When you light candles, remember that mishandling them could result in a fire and damage to your belongings. In order to guarantee the safety of both your family and your property, here are some guidelines for using candles within your household.
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Check the warning label
Prior to lighting the candle, ensure that it has a fire-safety label attached. Carefully read the precautionary label which includes manufacturer’s instructions and pictograms for lighting the candle. Following these safety measures will ensure the safety of your home.
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Monitor the candle while burning
Always keep an eye on your lit candles. Using candles in your home requires taking this important measure to ensure safety. Be sure to extinguish them before leaving the room and keep them out of reach of children and pets to prevent them from being knocked over.
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Keep the burning candle away from flammable items
Do not place your lit candle close to flammable items like furniture, rugs, clothes, paper towels, and curtains in your household. We want to prevent these flammable objects from igniting if the candle tips over and causes a fire.
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Trim the wick
Maintain the candle’s wick at the suggested length of 1/4 inch. Ensuring the wick is the right length prevents it from burning too low, which can shorten the candle’s lifespan.
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Maintain a steady flame
Avoid blowing air into the candle, as this can cause the flame to flicker and potentially start a fire. Instead, try to keep the flame steady to ensure that the candle burns evenly.
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Extinguish the flame completely
After every use, make sure to completely put out the fire before moving and storing the candle. Wait for the candle to cool down before storing it in a safe place. Once the candle has burned completely, get rid of it safely by putting it in a sealed container.
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Store the candle properly
Responsibly storing the candles after use should be part of candle-fire safety. Make sure to store them in a place where children or pets cannot reach them. Keep them away from any heat source to avoid starting a fire.
Tips for Putting Out Candles Safely
Do not use water or blow out the candle to extinguish the flame. Blowing can lead to the wax being scattered or the fire spreading to nearby items. Alternatively, professionals advise utilizing a candle snuffer to extinguish a candle. A bell-shaped candle snuffer covers the flame specifically for extinguishing the candle. Put a snuffer over the flame and wait for it to extinguish entirely.
Conclusion
Truly, candles have a beauty that calms our spirits and provides warmth in the winter months. While they provide us with heat, they can also present dangers if not handled correctly. Understanding the mechanisms of candles, their fire-starting capabilities, and the possible dangers they pose can help guarantee your home’s safety.
Before using your candles, make sure they carry warning labels that provide more safety instructions from the manufacturer. When using them, keep the candles away from your children and pets, and responsibly store them in safe places after every use. Do not use water when putting out your burning candle, as this may cause the wax to splatter and ultimately lead to starting a fire. These simple candle fire-safety tips will ensure a safety home while enjoying the benefits the candles bring.