Candle Fire Safety

12/29/2017 (Permalink)

If you experience a fire or smoke damage in your Riverside home, call SERVPRO for fire cleanup.

The darker winter season is upon us and a lot of us enjoy candles to light up our homes. But did you know that are several thousand home fires every year that is started by candles?
Here are some facts about candles that might make you take extra precautions when it comes to candles in your home. 

From 2009-2013, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated 9,300 home structure fires that were started by candles. These fires caused 86 deaths, 827 injuries and $374 million in direct property damage. 

Facts and figures

During the five-year period of 2009-2013: 

• December is the peak time of year for home candle fires. In December, 11% of home candle fires began with decorations compared to 4% the rest of the year.
• Roughly one-third (36%) of home candle fires started in bedrooms. These fires caused 32% of the associated deaths and 47% of the associated injuries.
• Falling asleep was a factor in 11% percent of the home candle fires and 30% of the associated deaths.
• On average, 25 home candle fires were reported per day. 
• More than half (58%) of home candle fires occurred when some form of combustible material was left or came too close to the candle.
• Candles caused 3% of reported home fires, 3% of home fire deaths, 6% of home fire injuries, and 5% of the direct property damage in home fires.

If you experience a fire or a smoke damage in your Riverside home, don't hesitate to call SERVPRO West Riverside City at 951-351-8033.

Read more here about fire prevention tips.