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Candles

Avoid the use of candles in the bedroom and other areas where people may fall asleep. Read all of NFPA's candle safety tips and download our free safety tip sheet. AUDIO Lorraine Carli, NFPA Vice President of Communications, talks about candle safety: Candle safety tips

In 2010, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated 9,600 home structure fires that were started by candles. These fires caused 90 deaths, 820 injuries and $370 million in direct property damage. In 2010, candles caused 3% of reported home fires, 4% of home fire deaths, 6% of home fire injuries, and 5% of the direct property damage from home fires in 2010.
Source: NFPA's Latest Estimates of Home Candle Fires - 2010 (PDF, 131 KB)

Facts and figures
During the five-year period of 2005-2009:

• More than one-third (36%) of home candle fires started in bedrooms. These fires caused 43% of the associated deaths and 47% of the associated injuries.
•  On average, 35 home candle fires were reported per day. 
• Falling asleep was a factor in 12% percent of the home candle fires and 42% of the associated deaths.
• More than half (55%) of home candle fires occurred when some form of combustible material was left or came too close to the candle.
• December is the peak time of year for home candle fires. In December, 11% of home candle fires began with decorations compared to 4% the rest of the year.

Source: NFPA's "Home Candle Fires" report by Marty Ahrens, December 2011.

NFPA does not test, label or approve any products.
Updated: 5/12