On Average there is estimated to be 20 fires everyday caused by open flame candles. And typically such fires start because of misuse or improper handling.

The best advice we can give, is to avoid using any materials that have a sustained open flame. Yes – avoid using candles at all. In fact, even just a minimal search about fire and candle safety online, will yield a bountiful number of responses that urge against the use of candles, some suggesting battery operated faux candles. We use several in the office for our annual Halloween party, and they work great.

But, despite the advice we know people will use such candles. Scented candles are extremely popular in a lot of households.

Given that the recent fire on the 4th floor appears to have resulted from a candle, if you must use open flame candles, management wants to share some safety tips for proper candle use. Very special thanks to the gods of the internet as relatively simple searches online yielded some very practical and helpful advice:

• Stay in the room: Never leave a burning candle unattended. Extinguish all candles before you leave a room or go to sleep.
• Maintain distance: Keep burning candles at least 12 inches (one foot) away from anything that can burn, such as curtains, bedding, carpets, books, paper, and flammable decorations.
• Use proper holders: Always use sturdy, heat-resistant candle holders that won’t tip over easily and are large enough to collect dripping wax. Place the holder on a stable, uncluttered, and heat-resistant surface.
• Keep out of reach: Place candles up high and out of the reach of children and pets to prevent them from being knocked over.
• Avoid certain areas:
  • Do not use candles in bedrooms or other sleeping areas where people may fall asleep.
  • Avoid placing candles in high-traffic areas or near open windows, fans, or air vents where drafts could cause the flame to flare up or curtains to blow into the flame.
  • Never use a candle if oxygen is used in the home.
• Have working alarms: Ensure your home has working smoke alarms on every level and check them monthly. Have a fire extinguisher readily accessible. 

• Trim the wick: Before each use, always trim the wick to ¼ inch to prevent the flame from becoming too large and to ensure an even burn.
• Limit burn time: Most manufacturers recommend not burning a candle for more than four hours at a time.. After a few hours, extinguish it, let it cool completely, trim the wick, and then relight if desired.
• Extinguish properly: Use a candle snuffer to put out the flame, as this is the safest way to prevent hot wax from splattering. Never use water to extinguish a candle, as it can cause hot wax to splatter or the glass container to break.
• Know when to stop: Discontinue burning a candle when there is only ½ inch of wax remaining in a container candle or 2 inches in a pillar candle, to prevent the container or surface from overheating.
• Keep the wax pool clear: Ensure the melted wax pool is free of wick trimmings, matches, and other debris.
• Use alternatives during outages: Use flashlights or other battery-powered lighting during a power outage instead of candles.