Did you know that Christmas Day is the Peak Day for Candle Fires?

12/15/2021 (Permalink)

While candles are often used for giving off a warm, romantic light and an appealing aroma, they can cause a candle fire if used incorrectly.

Millions of decorative candles are sold every year.  They bring a soothing ambiance and different aromas for the rooms in your home.   

Are Candles a Fire Hazard? 

Candles might seem harmless on the surface until you look at how significant their damages can and have been in U.S. homes. FEMA estimates that there are more than 15.000 home candle fires every year, many resulting in injury for death. 

Candle Fire Safety Tips 

Here are a few tips to follow to reduce your risk of a fire in your home while your candle is burning: 

• Burning candles should never be unattended. 
• Candles should never be under shelves or other enclosed spaces.  
• Keep candles at least 12 inches from anything that can burn. 
• Candles should never be placed where children and pets can knock it over. 
• To prevent uneven or rapid burning and excessive dripping avoid drafts, vents or air currents.  
• Always put candles on a heat resistant surface. 
• Use a suitable candle holder sturdy enough to avoid being easily knocked over. 
• NEVER move or touch  a candle while it is burning or while the wax is liquefied. 
• Make sure that you have a working smoke detector in every room where you burn candles. 
• Extinguish candles with a candle snuffer rather than blowing them out, a hot was can splatter. 

What To Do if a Fire Starts

If a candle fire ever happens in your home in Riverside, CA, you need to know how to properly extinguish it. When putting out a candle fire, you should never use water, which causes it to spread. If the wax inside the candle catches fire, grab a cover to remove oxygen from the candle. If the flames spread to other parts of your home and get out of control, quickly contact the fire department and evacuate your home. If any fire damage occurs or your home is in need of smoke cleanup services, a fire damage cleanup company can help restore your home back to its original condition.

Candle Alternatives

The best way to prevent candles from causing a fire in your home is to keep them out of your house entirely. There are many candle alternatives to consider including:

• Incense
• Flameless candle
• Essential oil diffuser
• Wax warmer
• Oil warmer
• Stick diffuser

While candles are often used for giving off a warm, romantic light and an appealing aroma, they can cause a candle fire if used incorrectly. It is important to always use candles responsibly or to try out any of the candle alternatives listed in this guide. Visit SERVPRO of West Riverside -Fire Damage for more information on fire loss. 

Following a Candle Fire - Fire Restoration 

Following these safety tips when you’re enjoying the candle aromas in your home, can lower your risk for a home fire in the future. If candles do happen to cause a home fire and you’re in need of fire restoration solutions, call SERVPRO of West Riverside City at (951)351-8033. Our technicians will be respectful of your home and work with you to put your home back to home sweet home again.