The popularity of candles for use in the home has increased dramatically over the past few years. Because of this rise in popularity, the number of fires caused by candles has increased accordingly.
Candles can add beauty and atmosphere to the décor of your home, but only if they are used properly and safely. It is very easy for an unsupervised candle to turn a happy home into a major disaster.
Safety Tips
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Always use the proper type of holder for the candle.
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Never carry a lit candle.
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Never use candles where children or pets may accidentally knock them over.
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Always place the candle on a solid, level surface.
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Never lean over a lit candle for any reason.
General Reminders
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Keep candles away from all combustible materials, including drapes and decorations.
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Never use a candle near an open window.
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Never leave a candle unattended for any reason.
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Use non-combustible candle holders only.
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Remove all labels and tags from a candle before lighting.
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Do not use a candle around any aerosol products such as hairspray.
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Never allow children to light candles.
Watch Your Wick
Wicks can be a major cause of problems with your candle. A wick that is not properly maintained will lead to an excessive amount of smoke, uneven burning of the candle, possibly creating a fire hazard.
Follow these tips to keep your wick in proper shape:
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Keep all wicks trimmed to ¼". This will allow for proper and even burning of the candle.
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Keep the wick centred to allow for even burning of the candle.
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Remove wick trimmings from the candle as these may cause unwanted burning
Smoke Alarms
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Smoke alarms provide you with the earliest possible warning of a fire in your home, but only if they are properly installed and maintained.
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The Ontario Fire Code requires that smoke alarms be installed on every floor containing sleeping rooms. The Hamilton Fire Service recommends that you install smoke alarms on every floor level of your home to provide the best protection.
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Test your smoke alarms monthly and don’t forget to practice your home fire drills with the entire family.
First Aid
Accidents may still happen no matter how many precautions are taken. Should you receive a burn from a candle or if hot wax drips on your skin, rinse the area immediately with cool water. Do not try to remove the wax until it is cooled, as this will only spread the burn. Once cooled, treat the burned area. Seek medical attention if the skin starts to blister or worsen.
Power Outages
Candles are very commonly used as a light source during power outages, however they can easily cause a fire if used improperly.
The following points outline some of the more common hazards to be aware of:
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If possible, use flashlights instead of candles.
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Do not use a candle to search through a confined space such as a closet or under the cupboards.
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Never use a lit candle for illumination when refueling a fuel-fired space heater with flammable liquids such as kerosene.
Jar Candles
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Do not use a jar candle if the glass is cracked or damaged.
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Always handle jar candles carefully as the glass surface will get hot.
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Do not allow the flame to come in to direct contact with the glass as it may cause it to crack.
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Do not use the candle when there is less than ½" of wax remaining.
If you have any questions about candles or other fire safety issues, please call the Hamilton Emergency Service, Fire Prevention Division, 905-546-2424 ext. 1380 weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.