Preventing Candle Fires in Your Home: Simple Tips to Stay Safe

12/11/2024 (Permalink)

Let’s look at some ways to prevent candle fires and what to do if a candle does start a fire in your home.

Candles add a cozy and relaxing feel to any home, but if not used carefully, they can also be a fire hazard. According to the U.S. Fire Association, candles are responsible for about 20 home fires every day. 

Candles are great for setting the mood, but they come with risks. An open flame, even a small one, can quickly spread and cause major damage. Keeping safety in mind when using candles can help you avoid disaster.

Let’s look at some ways to prevent candle fires and what to do if a candle does start a fire in your home.

How to Prevent Candle Fires

1. Don’t Leave Candles Unattended
   A big mistake people make is leaving candles burning while they leave the room or go to bed. Always blow out the candle if you're leaving the area, even for just a short time. It’s not worth the risk to leave it unattended.
2. Use Proper Candle Holders
   Make sure your candles are placed in sturdy, heat-resistant holders. These should sit on a stable surface where they won’t tip over. Keep candles away from anything that can catch fire like curtains, books, or furniture.
3. Keep Candles Away from Flammable Items
   Candles should be at least 12 inches away from anything that can burn. This includes curtains, bedding, and decorations. Also, avoid placing candles near windows, as a draft could knock them over or blow a flammable object into the flame.
4. Trim the Wick
   Before lighting a candle, trim the wick to about 1/4 inch. A shorter wick keeps the flame smaller and more controlled, reducing the chances of the candle burning unevenly or creating a larger flame.
5. Use Candles in Well-Ventilated Spaces
   Make sure you’re burning candles in a room with good air circulation. This helps keep smoke from building up and reduces the risk of overheating. Also, avoid burning a candle down to the very end; leave about half an inch of wax to prevent overheating.
6. Try Flameless Candles
   If you love the ambiance of candles but want to avoid the risks, flameless LED candles are a great alternative. They look just like real candles but don’t have an open flame, making them safer, especially if you have kids or pets.

What to Do If a Candle Fire Starts

If a candle fire does start, you’ll want to act quickly. Here are the steps you should follow:

• Smother the flames: Use baking soda or a fire extinguisher to put out small fires.
• Evacuate if needed: If the fire spreads, get everyone out of the house and call 911.
• Call for help: After the fire is out, call SERVPRO® for fire damage cleanup and restoration.

SERVPRO Is Here to Help®

If you experience a candle fire in your home, the aftermath can be overwhelming. SERVPRO of Berlin/Williamstown specializes in fire damage restoration and can help you get your home back to normal. We’ll even work with your insurance to make the process as easy as possible.