With Halloween and Diwali just around the corner, Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS) is urging residents to take care when using candles this Autumn.
Carelessness with candles can cause fires. With so many people celebrating with candles at this time of year, the upcoming campaign Candle Fire Safety Week (20-26 October) is an opportunity to remind people to take extra steps to prevent fires caused by candles.
Gail Muirhead, Prevention Manager at RBFRS says: “Around one third of all candle fires attended by fire and rescue services result in a death or injury. That’s why it’s vital to take care when using candles in your home.
“We know that a lot of people will be celebrating with candles at this time of year. Whether it’s Diwali or Halloween, we don’t want to stop you from enjoying these special occasions. We just want to help everyone to celebrate safely.
“There are a few simple steps you can take to make candles safer. For instance, take care to ensure that all candles are placed on a stable heat-resistant surface, secured in a proper holder, and placed away from curtains. However, we’d always recommend using LED candles instead, especially around children.”
With Halloween around the corner, RBFRS is also reminding people to take extra care if they are in costumes around open flames. Ideally, make sure you purchase fire-resistant Halloween costumes and take care to keep loose clothing away from candles.
Candle fire safety goes far beyond Halloween though. Here are a few extra tips to help keep you and your loved ones safe when using candles:
Proper Positioning
- Always place candles in proper holder on a flat, stable, heat-resistant surface. This includes tealight candles.
- Ensure the candles are placed a safe distance away from flammable materials, such as curtains.
- Do not place candles under shelves.
Reduce the Risk
- Consider using LED or battery-operated candles. They are a safer, flameless alternative that still provide a warm glow. They can be left unattended, be safely knocked over by children and pets, and be recharged or replaced easily. Always ensure that electronic products are bought from reputable retailers.
- Keep long hair and loose clothing away from the naked flames.
- Always place candles out of reach for children and pets.
- Never leave lit candles unattended – extinguish any candles, incense or oil burners before you leave the room and go to sleep.
- Trim the length of the wicks to a quarter of an inch before lighting them.
- Using a snuffer or spoon is safer than blowing out a candle to extinguish the flame.
If a Fire Starts:
- If a fire does start, do not use water to extinguish the candle wax fire.
- If clothing catches fire, remember to Stop, Drop and Roll to smother the flames.
- Get out, stay out and call 999 if a fire starts in your home.
Visit the RBFRS website for more candle safety information.