U.S. fire departments responded to 15,600 home fire structure fires that were started by candles in 2005. These fires caused 150 civilian fire deaths; 1,270 civilian fire injuries; and $539 million in direct property damage.
Overall, candles caused 4% of reported home fires, 5% of the home fire deaths, 10% of the home fire injuries, and 8% of the direct property damage in reported home fires.
Causes and Circumstances of Home Candle Fires
Details from the U.S. Fire Administration’s National Fire Incident Reporting System show that in 2002-2005: On average, one home candle fire was reported every 34 minutes.
More than half of all candle fires started when something that could burn, such as furniture, mattresses or bedding, curtains, or decorations, was too close to the candle.
In one-fifth (20%) of the fires, the candles were unattended or abandoned.
Almost two-fifths of home candle fires begin in the bedroom, although the candle industry found that only 13% of candles users burn candles in the bedroom most often.
December is the peak time of year for home candle fires. In December, 13% of home candle fires began with decorations compared to 4% the rest of the year.
The top five days for home candle fires were Christmas, Christmas Eve, New Year’s Day, New Year’s Eve, and Halloween.
Source: Home Candle Fires, Marty Ahrens, National Fire Protection Association, Quincy, MA, September 2007.
Katie Jones
Scentsy Director & Founding Member
Make someone's Day!