Massachusetts

Candle Safety Tips

They may be pretty, but it's important to always keep in mind safety tips when lighting and enjoying candles.

Candles started more than 100 fires in Massachusetts home in 2015, resulting in the deaths of three people, according to the state's fire marshal office. In addition, nine residents were injured and five firefighters hurt that year from candle-related fires. The fires also caused an estimated $3.9 million in damages.

Of those fires that year, 35 percent of them started in a bedroom. Safety officials warn that it's easy to fall asleep with candles still burning, which is why it's important to remember to blow out candles before leaving a room or going to bed.

More candle fires also happen between Thanksgiving and New Year's Eve than at any other time, according to the fire marshal's office.

Safety tips for candles include:

  • Keeping burning candles about a foot away from anything that can catch fire
  • Blowing out candles before leaving them unattended
  • Using a non-combustible saucer or candleholder
  • Keeping candles away from children and pets
Click here for more candle safety tips.
Contact Us