Candle Fire Safety: Take care as the colder months approach

As part of the Fire Kills campaign fire and rescue services across the country are urging people to take extra care this winter and reduce the risk of fires during the colder months ahead.

With winter fast approaching, candles can add a cosy ambience to an evening at home and are often used during seasonal celebrations such as Halloween, Bonfire Night, Diwali, Bodhi Day, Hannukah and Christmas. However, candle fires cause around 300 casualties every year, and approximately a third of candle-related fires attended by fire and rescue services result in death or injury.

East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service (ESFRS) is supporting the campaign and reminding residents of important steps they can take to protect themselves, their loved ones and communities.

Recent incidents highlight the risks

To demonstrate how quickly candle fires can develop and the importance of having working smoke alarms, ESFRS is highlighting two recent incidents attended by firefighters.

Firstly, in August this year, firefighters attended a domestic property fire in Newhaven after a lit candle had been left burning on a shelf behind a door. A resident had briefly left the property, forgetting the candle was still alight. The flame ignited clothing hanging behind the door, causing the fire to spread to the hallway. There were no casualties and advice was given.

Secondly, in September, crews attended a fire at a residential building in Brighton. On arrival, firefighters were met with a well-developed fire to the rear of the property, with heavy smoke issuing from second-floor windows. The fire alarm system had activated, but one resident remained asleep and was alerted by another occupant. Three people suffered smoke inhalation and were handed into the care of the ambulance service. A cat was also rescued unharmed. The fire is believed to have started from a candle that had not been extinguished before a resident fell asleep.

While the circumstances of every incident are different, both events demonstrate how easily accidental fires can start from candles and how quickly they can escalate. They also highlight the vital role working smoke alarms play in providing an early warning and helping people escape safely.

Candle safety advice

ESFRS encourages residents to follow these candle safety tips:

• Use LED/flameless candles as an alternative to traditional wick candles.
• If you rent property or a leaseholder, check your lease agreement to see if the use of candles are permitted.
• If you choose to use wick candles, never leave lit candles unattended. Put burning candles out when you leave the room and make sure they’re out completely at night. 
• Place your candles carefully. Make sure they are on a stable surface, on or within a suitable candle holder. Do not leave candles free standing, including tealights, they should be on or within a suitable, fireproof candle holder out of the reach of pets and children.
• Keep them away from flammable objects like curtains, furniture, bedding and books. 
• Don’t move candles once they are lit.
• Do not burn several candles close together as this might cause the flame to flare.
• Burn candles in a well-ventilated room, out of drafts, vents or air currents. This will help prevent rapid or uneven burning, soot, and dripping.
• Always put scented candles in a heat-resistant holder. These candles are designed to liquefy when heated to maximise fragrance. 
• Fit smoke alarms and test them now and monthly. A working smoke alarm can buy you valuable time to get out, stay out and call 999.
• Make sure that everyone in your home knows what to do if a fire should occur– practise your escape route. 

For more information and safety advice, visit: www.esfrs.org/candles-decorative-lights-decorations