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Extinguish all candles when
leaving the room or going to
sleep.
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Keep candles at least 1 foot
away from things that can catch
fire, like clothing, books and
curtains.
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Use candle holders that are
study, won’t tip over easily,
are made from a material that
cannot burn, and are large
enough to collect dripping wax.
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Keep candles and all open flames
away from flammable liquids.
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Keep candle wicks trimmed to
one-quarter inch and extinguish
taper and pillar candles when
they get to within two inches of
the holder. Votives and
containers should be
extinguished before the last
half-inch of wax starts to melt.
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During power outages, avoid
carrying a lit candle. Use
flashlights.
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NFPA discourages the use of
candles in bedrooms and sleeping
areas.
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During 2004, an estimated 17,200 home
structure fires started by candles were reported to local fire
departments. These fires resulted in an estimated 200 civilian
deaths, 1,540 civilian injuries and an estimated direct property
loss of $200 million. Homes include dwellings, duplexes,
manufactured housing and apartments.
Facts and figures
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The estimated number of home candle fires fell 6% from 2003
to 2004. The number of reported home candle fires has
finally started to fall after climbing steadily from 1990 to
2001.
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Candle fires accounted for an estimated 4% of all reported
home fires in 2004.
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Thirty-eight percent (38%) of home candle fires started in
the bedroom, resulting in 35% of the associated civilian
deaths.
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Reported home candle fires in 2004 is roughly two-and-a half
times that of the 6,800 low reported in 1990.
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December had almost twice the number of home candle fires of
an average month.
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More than half (54%) of home candle fires occurred when some
form of combustible material was left or came too close to
the candle; The candle was unattended or abandoned in 20% of
the incidents; Four percent were started by people (usually
children) playing with candles.
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Falling asleep was a factor in 12% of home candle fires and
25% of the associated deaths.
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Christmas Day was the peak day of the year for home candle
fires in 2000-2004. Christmas Eve ranked second and New
Year’s Day was third.
Source:
NFPA's "Home Candle Fires" report by Marty Ahrens, November 2006
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