Candles are one of the most common causes of house fires. Here’s some advice on how to use candles safely.
- Never leave burning candles unattended.
- Make sure candles are secured in a fire resistant holder and away from furniture and curtains.
- Keep loose clothing and hair away from candles when they are lit.
- Always leave at least 10cm (4ins) between burning candles, and never place them underneath shelves or other enclosed spaces.
- 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.
- Never use candles in or near a tent.
- Don’t try and move a burning candle, as this just increases the risk of fire.
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: