Date: 13th October, 2017
Did you know? Over 40% of all fires started by candles attended by fire and rescue services result in a death or injury.
Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS) is asking everybody to take extra care this during Candle Fire Safety Week (16-22 October) and snuff out the risk of fire in their homes.
With winter on the horizon, a few candles scattered round the room can lend a warm glow to an evening, but with candle fires resulting in around 350 casualties each year, DWFRS are asking people to take extra care with candles this autumn and winter.
To prevent candle fires from starting in your home, you should make sure your candles are kept away from flammable materials like curtains and ensure any candles are put out when you leave the room, even for a moment.
Safe & Well Manager, Vikki Thomas said: “Candles are a typical sight in many homes, scenting our rooms and giving an atmospheric glow to cold winter nights. But it’s important to remember that a candle is not just a decorative feature. Left unattended, an open flame scenting your home could leave a trail of devastation. Make sure you place your lit candles with extra care, away from curtains, pets and children and always remember to put them out when you leave the room, even for a moment.”
The most important steps you can take to keep yourself and your loved ones safe, are to ensure your home has a working smoke alarm on every level of your home, that you test them regularly and you know and practice your escape routes.
To help you enjoy your candles safely, DWFRS has compiled some top tips for this Candle Fire Safety Week:
- Never leave lit candles unattended. Put burning candles out when you leave the room, and make sure they’re out completely at night
- Place your candles carefully. Make sure they are on a stable surface, out of the reach of pets and children, and keep them away from flammable objects like curtains, furniture, bedding and books
- Don’t move candles once they are lit
- Do not burn several candles close together as this might cause the flame to flare
- 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
- Always put scented candles in a heat resistant holder. These candles are designed to liquefy when heated to maximise fragrance
- Fit smoke alarms on every level of your home and test them regularly. A working smoke alarm can buy you valuable time
- Make sure that everyone in your home knows what to do if a fire should occur including practising your escape routes.
Even with these precautions it’s vital to be prepared should the worst happen. Working smoke alarms can give you the vital time you need in case of an emergency. Remember to get out, stay out and call 999.
For more information on maintaining fire safety in your home, please visit www.dwfire.org.uk/safety or to see if you are eligible for a FREE Safe and Well visit, please call 0800 038 2323.