An average of 25 home candle fires are reported each day across the United States. These fires cause thousands of dollars in damage to homeowners’ property, and, tragically, even the loss of life.

The Bismarck Fire Department would like to offer citizen some quick hitters for “candle care” safety:

• Never leave candles burning unattended. Trim the wick, and stick with it. Blow out all candles before leaving the room or going to bed.
• If ever you burn candles around children or pets make sure the candles are well out of their reach.
• Never burn candles near other things that burn. Stay 12” away from clutter and off of furniture that will burn or be damaged by a candle’s heat.
• If ever you light candles, do so carefully, keeping hair and loose clothing out of the way. “Stop, Drop, and Roll” is not just for children.
• Never let your candles burn all the way down. Extinguish them 2” from the candle bottom or a within a ½” of a glass container bottom.
• If ever you choose a candleholder, make sure they are sturdy; that they will not tip over easily.
• Never use candles if oxygen is used in the home.
• If ever you have a power outage keep flashlights and extra batteries on hand. Flashlights are easier to carry, and safer to search with in closets, and to light the room as you fill a generator. use flameless candles, not only are you choosing safety, but you also have choices. Flameless candles can be made with real wax and scents, and long outlast traditional candles.
• Never rule out flameless candles. The safest choice offers the most choices: from simple plastic votives, to real wax and scents, to entire home lighting and intricate chandeliers.