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
Just like any other home appliance that provides warmth and comfort, candles, too, can keep you cozy amidst the dropping temperatures. They can be a source of relief, but they can also be deadly if not used properly. This is a risk that many homeowners tend to overlook because of their overall appeal.
But just how dangerous are these candles? Can candles start fires? According to a report by the NFPA, there are roughly 21 fire incidents involving the use of candles reported daily. Unfortunately, these fire accidents have resulted in 80 deaths, more than 700 injuries, and over $260 million in property damage. 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 lighting candles, it is important to remember that they can potentially start a fire and damage your home. In order to guarantee the safety of both your family and your home, here are some safety guidelines for burning candles in your household.
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Check the warning label
Before you even light the candle, check the fire-safety label found on the candle itself. Every candle has a precautionary label that contains the manufacturer’s additional instructions as well as pictograms for lighting a candle, so read it carefully before using the candle.
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Monitor the candle while burning
Do not leave your burning candles unattended. This is a crucial step in securing the safety of your home when using candles. Make sure to put it out before leaving the room and keep it out of children’s and pets’ reach to avoid being knocked over.
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Keep the burning candle away from flammable items
Avoid putting your burning candle near combustible objects in your home, such as furniture, rugs, clothing, paper towels, and curtains. We don’t want these flammable items to catch fire in the event the candle knocks over and starts a fire.
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Trim the wick
Keep the candle’s wick at the recommended length, which is 1/4 inch of the total length. Ensuring the correct length of the wick prevents it from reaching too far down, which ultimately leads to the candle’s shorter 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. Instead, experts recommend the use of a candle snuffer when putting out a candle. A candle snuffer is shaped like a bell and only covers the flame when you are trying to put out the candle. Cover the flame with a snuffer and wait until it goes out completely.
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.
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