According to the National Fire Protection Association candles are the heat source in an estimated average of 10,630 reported home fires annually. These fires cause an average of 115 civilian deaths, 903 civilian injuries and $418 million in direct property damage per year. Most candle-related fires occur in December.                        

Candles can be a very safe when used properly. The Marion Fire Department offers the following tips to help you and your family practice candle safety.

1. The majority of fires that are started by candles are caused by candles being too close to combustibles. Anything combustible needs to be at least 12 inches away from a candle. Curtains are a very common thing that gets ignited because the wind blows the curtain or even the furnace kicking on has enough pressure to move the curtain.

    

2. When candles are lit, there must be someone present. If a fire starts from a candle, having someone there to extinguish the fire or call the Fire Department can mean the difference between a small fire and a catastrophic loss.

    

3. Children should not be allowed to use candles. Many unintentional fires have been started by children who are playing with lit candles and start other items on fire.

    

4. Make sure candles are on a solid surface or in sturdy holders that cannot tip over. Numerous fires have started because a candle tipped over and then came in contact with a combustible item.

    

5. Don’t use candles where pets can get to them. Animals have tipped candles over and started fires.

    

6. Refrain from using candles when you are tired. Fires have started and unfortunately fatalities have occurred because people fell asleep and were overcome by smoke.

    

7. It is especially risky to use candles for lighting in the absence of electrical power. Have flashlights and battery-powered lighting available for use during a power outage.