Holiday Candle Fire Safety

12/1/2019 (Permalink)

Candles can cause massive fire damage!

Candles are an open flame that means that it can easily ignite anything that is flammable in its area if left unattended.

Lit candles that are positioned in close proximity to dry holiday trees are a HUGE danger and can cause massive fire damage to rooms in a matter of seconds!

Candle fire facts -
During the five-year period of 2012-2016:

• Candles caused 2% of reported home fires, 3% of home fire deaths, 7% of home fire injuries, and 4% of the direct property damage in home fires.
• Roughly one-third (37%) of home candle fires started in bedrooms. These fires caused 30% of the associated deaths and 50% of the associated injuries.
• Falling asleep was a factor in 11% percent of the home candle fires and 21% of the associated deaths.
• On average, 23 home candle fires were reported per day.
• Three of every five (60%) of home candle fires occurred when some form of combustible material was left or came too close to the candle.
• December is the peak time of year for home candle fires. In December, 12% of home candle fires began with decorations compared to 4% for the rest of the year.

Source: NFPA's Applied Research

If you suffer fire damage this holiday season call SERVPRO, we can help!