Candle Fire Safety

3/11/2021 (Permalink)

Candle Safety 101

Every month there is a headline in the news about a candle fire.  Candles cause 3% of reported house fires and many go unreported as they are extinguished by the homeowner. That is 15,600 fires a year put out by the fire department. Most candle fires start in bedrooms and left unattended and too close to combustible materials.  Candles that are left burning for over 4 hours are more likely to cause the glass to heat up causing it to reach a flashpoint and explode.  That is scary.  Besides the risk of fire, candles burn causing soot to go throughout your home causing gray to black staining on walls and ceilings.  These simple steps can help prevent a fire in your home:

1. Do not walk away.  Never leave the candle unattended
2. Give your candle space. Remove obstacles and clutter surrounding your candle.
3. Keep away from pets and children.
4. Avoid placing candles near windows and vents.
5. Keep candles apart.
6. Do not burn for long periods at a time.

Should you experience a candle fire or residual soot, please call SERVPRO of Amherst/Clarence.  We can assist.