Candles are one of the most common causes of house fires. Here’s some advice on how to use candles safely.
- 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.
Tea lights
Although tea lights have a foil outer container, this is not safe as the foil can get extremely hot. When this happens, it can melt the surface it is on, such as the side of a bath or the top of a television. If you use tea lights, make sure they are placed in a proper holder.
We also have the following guide available to download: