Candle related fires are a year round concern in Alberta homes, however this concern is greatest during the winter holidays. It is important to remember that a candle is a small fire that can very easily start a large, dangerous fire. Here are some findings related to candle fires in Alberta homes.

• The number of candle fires is highest during the festive month of December.
• Many people do not know how to use candles safely.
• Most candle fires happen in bedrooms and living/family rooms and ignite bedding and furniture.
• Failing to put out a burning candle before going to bed accounts for the majority of deaths and injuries in candle related fires.
• Most candle fires involve human error-leaving a candle unattended, leaving a candle near a combustible material (curtains, furniture, decorations), or unsupervised children playing with candles because they are curious and are fascinated by the flame.
• Consumers also assume that their candle-holders are safe, and don't expect them to break or catch fire, yet they do.

How can candles be used safely?

• Avoid using candles whenever possible, and if candles are used, keep flammable and combustible materials as far from the flame as possible.
• Imagine the various ways a candle flame can start a dangerous fire in your home, for example, "someone may open this window and the curtain blowing in the wind could come in contact with the candle flame to catch fire. It is not wise for me to place this candle near the window".
• Mount candles on non-combustible holders that won't tip over and are big enough to collect dripping wax.
• Do not place lit candles in windows where blinds or curtains may close over them, and don't use them in places where children or pets could knock them over.
• Snuff candles out when leaving the room or going to sleep. Remember that 70 per cent of fire deaths related to candle fires happened because people were asleep at the time of the fire.
• Never let a candle burn down to the bottom.
• Never leave children or pets alone in a room with lit candles. Children can play with the flame and start a fire or be burned. Do not allow older children to light candles in their bedrooms. A forgotten candle is all it takes to start a fire.
• Exercise caution when using candles as a source of light during power outages. Many destructive fires start during such times since potential fire hazards can go unnoticed in the dark.
• When buying or using novelty candles, try to determine if they pose a potential fire threat. Each year, the Product Safety Bureau of Health Canada in Edmonton and Calgary issue warnings about certain types of novelty candles.