Candles are used frequently to decorate during the holiday season. Candles can also be the cause of a house fire, or even worse, a home fire death.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, on average, a candle fire in the home is reported to a United States fire department every 40 minutes. More than one-third of those candle fires start in the bedroom and more than half start when combustible or flammable items are too close to the burning candle.
Murfreesboro Fire & Rescue Department’s Fire Marshal’s Office wants to remind the public of a few general safety tips regarding candles:
• Blow out all candles when you leave the room or go to bed.
• Avoid use of candles in the bedroom and other areas where people may fall asleep.
• Keep candles at least 12 inches away from anything that can burn.
• Use candle holders that won’t tip over easily.
• Put candle holders on a sturdy, uncluttered surface.
• Light candles carefully…Keep your hair and any loose clothing away from the flame.
• Don’t burn a candle all the way down—put it out before it gets too close to the holder or container.
• Never use a candle if oxygen is used in the home.
• Never leave a child alone in a room with a burning candle. Keep matches and lighters up high and out of children’s reach or in a locked cabinet.
• Have flashlights and battery-powered lighting ready to use during a power outage; never use candles.
“It may be wise to consider using flameless candles in your home,” said Assistant Fire Marshal Carl Peas. “They look like real candles and can add to your holiday décor without posing a safety risk,” he continued.
As always, it is important to make sure that you have working smoke alarms in your home. If you do not have working smoke alarms or need assistance with additional alarms or batteries, please contact MFRD Administration Office Monday-Friday 8:00 am-4:30pm at 615-893-1422 to inquire about MFRD’s Project SAFE (Smoke Alarms for Everyone).