Candles ‘underestimated’ as fire risk, say Dorset & Wiltshire Fire Service

Candles pose a ‘great’ risk of fire if not managed correctly, Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS) have told us.

With Halloween approaching and the nights about to get longer, many people will use candles in their homes, but the risk they pose is regularly underestimated, according to Greg Izon from the service.

He said: “People do underestimate a small flame. That small flame will cause a massive fire if it meets the right circumstances, or in our case, for people who live in the properties, the wrong circumstances.”

Greg told Greatest Hits Radio that Tea Lights catch people out, because they can be put in many places to set a mood effect.

“It's not much bigger than you know, a couple of two pence pieces but, in certain circumstances, they can reach hundreds of degrees on the metallic base.

“So they can very easily cause a significant fire, so we would always recommend that people put any candle of any type on a far resistant base, keeping it approximately 10 centimetres away from any loose materials in the property.”

Safety Tips

Over the last two years, DWFRS have attended 36 fires where candles were confirmed to be source of the blaze.

The service have issued the following guidance to help us be candle safe.

• Make sure candles are on a stable surface, secured in a fire-resistant holder, and out of the reach of pets and children.
• Keep lit candles away from flammable objects such as furniture, curtains, bedding and books. Also be careful with loose clothing and long hair.
• Always leave at least 10cm (4ins) between burning candles, and never place them underneath shelves or other enclosed spaces.
• Burn candles in a well-ventilated room, out of drafts, vents or air currents. This will help prevent rapid or uneven burning, soot and dripping.
• Never leave burning candles unattended. Put out candles when you leave the room and make sure they are fully extinguished before you go to bed or leave the property.
• Never burn a candle right down into the holder.
• Use a snuffer or spoon to extinguish candles – it’s safer than blowing them out, as sparks can fly when you do that.
• Always put scented candles in a heat resistant holder. These candles are designed to liquefy when heated to maximise fragrance.
• Make sure you keep the wax pool clear of wick trimmings, matches and debris.
• Trim the wick to ¼ inch each time before burning. Long or crooked wicks can cause uneven burning, dripping or flaring.
• Don’t try and move a burning candle, if you tip it or drop it, you could easily start a fire or burn yourself.
• Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations on burn time and proper use.

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