Candles bring warmth and beauty to the holiday season — and they also cause thousands of home fires every year, with December consistently producing the highest candle fire numbers of any month. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) estimates more than 11,000 candle-related fires occur annually in the United States, resulting in approximately 150 deaths and 1,200 injuries, with $390 million in property loss. The majority of fatal candle fires occur between midnight and 6 a.m. — when candles have been left burning while occupants sleep.
Why Holiday Season Candle Use Is Especially Dangerous
Candle use spikes significantly during November and December as households incorporate candles into holiday decorating, religious observances, and seasonal ambiance. More candles burning in more locations for longer periods creates proportionally more opportunities for unattended fires to start and grow before anyone notices.
The three leading causes of candle fires are leaving candles burning unattended, placing candles too close to flammable decorations and materials, and candles falling or being knocked over.
Holiday decorations dramatically increase the fuel available to a candle fire. Dried greenery, paper decorations, fabric ribbons, tissue paper, and holiday wrapping materials are all highly flammable and are often placed in proximity to candles during this season.
What You Should Do
- Never leave a burning candle unattended. Extinguish every candle before leaving any room and every candle before going to sleep.
- Keep candles at least 12 inches from anything that can burn — decorations, curtains, greenery, fabric, and paper.
- Place candles on stable, heat-resistant surfaces where they cannot be knocked over.
- Keep candles out of reach of children and pets.
- Trim wicks to one quarter inch before each use — long wicks produce larger, less stable flames.
- Consider battery-operated flameless candles for holiday decorating, particularly in areas with greenery, trees, or fabric decorations.
- Never use candles near a Christmas tree.
To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, visit SaferProducts.gov or call CPSC’s Hotline at 800-638-2772.
Source: https://www.cpsc.gov/Safety-Education/Safety-Guides/Home-Indoors-Kitchen-Fire/Candle-Safety
