Houston Fire Department Mobile Website > Safety Tips > Candles

According to the National Candle Association, 70 percent of households use candles in the United States. Most people don't see candles as a major fire hazard, but according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) from 1983 to 1998 candle fires accounted for 8,690 fires, 104 deaths, 947 injuries, and an estimated $126 million in property damage.

The NFPA offers the flowing candle safety tips:

Use candles only with constant adult supervision

Extinguish all candles when leaving a room or going to sleep

Keep candles away from items that can catch fire, such as Christmas trees, clothing, paper, or curtains

Place candles and candle holders on a secure piece of furniture. Make sure candleholders are non-combustible and large enough to collect the dripping wax.

Do not place lighted candles in windows, were blinds or curtains can close over them.

Keep wicks trimmed to 1/4 inch, and extinguish candles when they burn to within two inches of the holder.

Keep candles and all open flames away from flammable liquids

Do not use candles in places were they can be knocked over by children or pets.