Candle Safety

1/29/2021 (Permalink)

Candles are a beautiful decoration and can fill a space with your favorite aromas.  However, the flame releasing scents can be dangerous to your Milford, MA commercial or residential property.

Candles pose a real fire risk to any property.  According the National Fire Protection Association, an estimated 8,200 home fires are started by candles each year. A study performed from 2014-2018 revealed that U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated 7,610  home structure fires that were started by candles per year.  These fires caused an annual average of 81 deaths, 677 injuries and $278 million in direct property damage.

Candle Fire Facts

During the five-year period of 2014-2018:

1. Candles caused 2% of reported home fires, 3% of home fire deaths, 6% of home fire injuries, and 4% of the direct property damage in home fires.
2. Roughly one-third (37%) of home candle fires started in bedrooms. These fires caused 40% of the associated deaths and 49% of the associated injuries.
3. Falling asleep was a factor in 10% percent of the home candle fires and 15% of the associated deaths.
4. On average, 21 home candle fires were reported per day. 
5. Three of every five (60%) of home candle fires occurred when some form of combustible material was left or came too close to the candle.
6. December is the peak time of year for home candle fires. In December, 12% of home candle fires began with decorations compared to 4% the rest of the year.

Candle Safety Tips

1. Use sturdy candle holders.
2. Put candles on a sturdy and uncluttered surface.
3. Keep hair and clothes away from candle flames.
4. Never use a candle if oxygen is used in the home.
5. Blow out candles when you leave the room or go to bed.
6. Keep candles one-foot sway from anything that could burn.
7. Before burning candles, always trim the wick to a ¼ inch.

Candles are can be a decorative and inviting addition to any space, but if used carelessly they can case fires. The reality is, even after doing all of these things, a fire can still happen. If it does call the experts at SERVPRO of Natick/Milford at (774) 290-4300.  We will make it, "Like it never even happened."