Tennessee State Fire Marshal Offers Candle Fire Safety Tips

NASHVILLE – While candles are a popular piece of home décor, the Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) wants to remind consumers that flamed candles must be used properly to avoid loss of life, injury, and significant property damage.

Though candles might make homes feel festive, they can also cause tragedy. Last year, Tennessee fire departments responded to 76 home structure fires that were started by candles. These fires caused four fatalities and $1,053,550 in direct property damage.

“Consumers should always take care when using candles,” said State Fire Marshal and Commerce & Insurance Commissioner Julie Mix McPeak. “When left unattended or placed too close to something that can burn, candles can cause devastating fires. Fortunately, consumers can prevent candle-related fires with just a few cautionary steps.”

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), on average, 25 home candle fires are reported every day in the United States. Roughly one-third (36%) of home candle fires begin in the bedroom. More than half of all candle fires start when something that could burn, such as furniture, mattresses or bedding, curtains, or decorations is too close to the candle.

The State Fire Marshal’s Office offers the following tips to keep Tennesseans safe from candle fires:

• Consider using battery-operated flameless candles, which can look, smell, and feel like real candles.
• When using candles, place them in sturdy, safe candleholders that will not burn or tip over.
• Protect candle flames with glass chimneys/containers.
• Keep candles at least 12 inches from anything that can burn.                                                                                                            
• Never leave a burning candle unattended. Extinguish candles when you leave a room or the home or go to bed.
• Avoid using candles in bedrooms and sleeping areas.
• Keep children and pets away from burning candles. Never leave a child unattended in a room with a candle.                                                            
• Never use a candle where medical oxygen is being used. The two can combine to create a large, unexpected fire. Medical oxygen can cause materials to ignite more easily and burn at a faster rate than normal. It can make an existing fire burn faster and hotter.
• Always use a flashlight—not a candle—for emergency lighting.
• Use only battery-powered lights in tents, trailers, motor homes, and boats.
• Lit candles should not be placed in windows, where blinds and curtains can close over them, causing a fire.

For more information on making your home fire-safe, download and print the State Fire Marshal’s home fire safety checklist.  Tennessee residents can request a free smoke alarm for their home by visiting www.tn.gov/fire.

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