Candles can be dangerous

Candle fires are four times as likely to occur during the winter holidays, according to the United States Fire Administration. Between 2002 and 2005, candle fires were reported approximately every 34 minutes. Since the 1990s, home candle fires have tripled. Although the majority of these fires begins in the bedroom, candle fire deaths occur in other areas of the home, such as the living room, family room and den.

Reports indicate that 20 percent of candle fires were either unattended or abandoned, and more then 50 percent of those fires were due to combustible items such as furniture, mattresses, bedding, and decorations,being too close to the candle.

Although candle fires occur during major holidays such as Halloween, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day, December is the peak month when candle fire incidents nearly double.

The National Fire Protection Association suggests the following candle safety tips to keep you and your family fire-safe during the holiday season and throughout the year:

n Use sturdy candle holders that won't tip over easily and are made from a material that cannot burn, such as metal, ceramic or glass and are large enough to collect dripping wax.

n When lighting candles, be sure to keep your hair and loose clothing away from the flame.

n Protect candle flames with glass covers/chimneys or containers.

n Extinguish all candles when leaving the room or going to sleep.

nKeep candles at least 12 inches away from things that can burn/catch fire, like clothing, books, curtains, silk and dried flower arrangements, holiday decorations and Christmas trees.

n People are fascinated by a flickering candle and children and pets are no exception, therefore, keep children and pets away from burning candles.

n Never leave a child or pet unsupervised in a room with a lighted candle.

n Keep matches and lighters safely out of a child's reach, preferably in a locked cabinet.

n Keep candles and all open flames away from flammable liquids.

n Keep candle wicks trimmed to ¼ inch and extinguish the flame when they get to within 2 inches of the holder.

n Votives and containers should be extinguished before the last ½ inch of wax starts to melt.

n For emergency lighting, use flashlights never use candles.

This column is provided by the Prince William County Department of Fire and Rescue's Community Relations Team. Send questions or comments to DFR Responding to You, 9250 Lee Ave., Manassas, VA 20110 or via e-mail to dfrre spondingtoyou@ pwc gov.org.