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Candle Safety

Candle Safety

The popularity of candles has grown every year.   No matter how beautiful, romantic, and useful, according to the U.S. Fire Administration candles are responsible for approximately 9,400 residential structure fires each year and cause 950 injuries, 90 fatalities and over $120 million in direct property loss.

Unattended candles or candles placed too close to combustibles account for 41% of candle fires.  The leading items ignited by candles are cabinetry, mattresses, curtains, and furniture.  Four out of ten fires begin in the bedroom, followed closely by living rooms, family rooms or dens.  Candle fires are most common around the holidays.

With certain safety precautions candles can be enjoyed and fires can be prevented eliminating unnecessary injury and even death.

Candle Safety Tips:

  • Never leave a burning candle unattended.  Extinguish them when you leave a room or go to bed.

  • Light candles carefully, keeping hair & loose clothing away from the flame.

  • Keep candles away from bedding, curtains/blinds, wallpaper, upholstered furniture, piles of clothing, and newspapers/magazines.  Monitor them carefully.

  • Keep candles from high-traffic areas where they can be knocked over easily, including any area accessible to children or pets.

  • Place candles in sturdy holders that won't tip over.

  • Avoid candles with combustible items inside them.

  • Place candles at least three inches from one another.

  • Use extreme caution if you carry a lit candle, holding it away from clothing and any combustibles that may be near the path along which you walk and avoid loose, flowing clothing that is not flame-resistant.

  • Extinguish candles when they burn down to within two inches of their holder or any decorative material.

Candles and kids don't mix

  • Don't let children play with/near candles or dripping wax.

  • Don't allow children or teens to burn candles in their bedroom

  • Store candles, matches and lighters up high out of reach of children.

Contact Us

Brian Clark,
EMS Chief
432 Broad St
New Castle, IN 47362
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  • Phone: (765) 521-6860
  • Fax: (765) 521-6657
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