Extinguish all candles when leaving the room or going to sleep. Keep candles at least 1 foot away from things that can catch fire, like clothing, books and curtains. Use candle holders that are study, won’t tip over easily, are made from a material that cannot burn, and are large enough to collect dripping wax. Keep candles and all open flames away from flammable liquids. Keep candle wicks trimmed to one-quarter inch and extinguish taper and pillar candles when they get to within two inches of the holder. Votives and containers should be extinguished before the last half-inch of wax starts to melt. During power outages, avoid carrying a lit candle. Use flashlights.   NFPA discourages the use of candles in bedrooms and sleeping areas.

During 2005, an estimated 15,600 home structure fires started by candles were reported to local fire departments. These fires resulted in an estimated 150 civilian deaths, 1,270 civilian injuries and an estimated direct property loss of $539 million. Homes include dwellings, duplexes, manufactured housing and apartments.

Facts and figures

• Although home candle fires fell 8% from 2004 to 2005, more than twice as many were reported in 2005 as in 1990.
• Candle fires accounted for an estimated 4% of all reported home fires in 2005.
• Thirty-eight percent (38%) of home candle fires started in the bedroom, resulting in 41% of the associated civilian deaths.
• December is the peak time of year for home candle fires. In December, 13% of home candle fires began with decorations compared to 4% the rest of the year.
• More than half of all candle fires started when something that could burn, such as furniture, mattresses or bedding, curtains, or decorations, was too close to the candle.
• Falling asleep was a factor in 12% of home candle fires and 26% of the associated deaths.
• The top five days for home candle fires were Christmas, Christmas Eve, New Year’s Day, New Year’s Eve, and Halloween. 

Source: NFPA's "Home Candle Fires" report by Marty Ahrens, September 2007.