Candle Fire Safety Week snuff out the fire risk
Written by John Williamson on 19/10/2017
Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service is supporting the Fire Kills campaign and is educating communities to take care this Candle Fire Safety Week (16-22 October) and snuff out the risk of fire in their homes.
With winter and dark nights now upon us, a few candles scattered round the room can lend a warm glow to an evening in or add some festive cheer to the season’s celebrations such as Guy Fawkes’ night and the lead up to Christmas.
But with candle fires nationally resulting in over 300 casualties each year, Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service are asking people to take extra care with candles this winter – nationally more than one in three of all reported accidental fires in the home started by candles result in a death or injury.
The most important step you can take to keep yourself and your loved ones safe is to ensure your home has working smoke alarms. To prevent candle fires from starting in your home, you should make sure your candles are kept away from flammable materials like curtains and ensure candles are put out when you leave the room, even for a moment.
Prevention Station Manager Mark Ducie said:
“Candles are a typical sight in many homes, scenting our rooms and giving an atmospheric glow to cold winter nights. But it’s important to remember that a candle is not just a decorative feature. Left unattended, an open flame scenting your home could leave a trail of devastation”.
“Place your lit candles with extra care, away from curtains, pets and children and always remember to put them out when you leave the room, even for a moment”.
Mark continues, “Even with these precautions it’s vital to be prepared should the worst happen. Working smoke alarms can give you the vital time you need to get out, stay out and then call 999. Keep yourself and your loved ones safe by testing your smoke alarms regularly and by practising and maintaining your escape routes within your property”.
To help you enjoy your candles safely, Mark offers some tips for this Candle Fire Safety Week:
Never leave lit candles unattended. Put burning candles out when you leave the room, and make sure they’re out completely at night.
Place your candles carefully. Make sure they are on a stable surface, out of the reach of pets and children, and keep them away from flammable objects like curtains, furniture, bedding and books. Never place onto plastic baths and on top of televisions.
Don’t move candles once they are lit
Do not burn several candles close together as this might cause the flame to flare.
Burn candles in a well-ventilated room, out of drafts, vents or air currents. This will help prevent rapid or uneven burning, soot, and dripping.
Always put scented candles in a heat resistant holder. These candles are designed to liquefy when heated to maximise fragrance.
Have working smoke alarms; test them now and always as a monthly routine. A working smoke alarm can buy you valuable time to get out of your property, then stay out and call 999.
Make sure that everyone in your home knows what to do if a fire should occur – know and practise your escape routes with all the family or visitors.
For a FREE Safe and Well visit from Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service call 0800 358 4777 or visit our website to register for a visit.
