Candles Require Caution!

11/28/2018 (Permalink)

Fire and smoke damage can be devastating to homes, and in many circumstances, can be accompanied by the water damage from firefighting efforts. 

Candles Require Caution

The National Fire Protection Association found that fire departments in the U.S. were called to an estimated 8,700 home structure fires a year that were started by candles during a five-year period from 2011 to 2015. These fires resulted in 82 deaths, 800 injuries and $295 million in direct property damage.

Candles were reported to have caused 2 percent of home fires, with 3 percent resulting in death and 7 percent with injuries. There were an average of 24 home candle fires reported per day during those five years, with December having the highest amount of calls for the year.

Candle fires during this time span were responsible for 37 percent of bedroom fires and 36 percent of the associated deaths and 51 percent of the associated injuries.

Things to remember when using candles:

• Keep lit candles at least one foot away from flammable materials.
• Always use a sturdy holder that won’t tip over.
• Never leave a burning candle unattended.
• Don’t go to sleep with a candle burning.
• Do not use candles if oxygen is being used in the home.

SERVPRO of North Huntington is here to help restore your home to pre-fire condition. 631-423-1734