Prevent candle fires

Though meant to endow homes with warmth and grace, candles can cause serious safety hazards if they're misused. Candle fires tripled in the U.S. between 1990 and 2002, even while overall reported home fires were falling.

During 2003-2006, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated average of 14,800 home fires per year that were started by candles. According to the National Fire Protection Association, these fires caused an average of 160 deaths, 1,340 injuries, and $429 million in direct property damage. 'In a typical candle fire, the candle is too close to something that can burn, such as furniture, bedding, curtains, a wall, decorations, papers, linens, or clothing," says Marty Ahrens, the NFPA's manager of fire analysis services.

Sometimes the candleholder itself ignites or shatters. (Go to www.cpsc.gov for candle and candleholder recalls.)

Follow these safety tips for safer use:

• Keep candles at least a foot away from other materials.
• Keep them out of the reach of children and pets, and away from drafts.
• Never leave a burning candle unattended or fall asleep without extinguishing it.
• Place candles only in receptacles that are nonflammable and heat-resistant.
• Do not to place the extinguished match in or on the candle or lit wick.

One more cautionary note: Forty percent of candle fires started in bedrooms, often when the flame ignited bedding or mattresses, so avoid placing candles near sleeping areas. Keep them out of children's, teenagers', and dormitory rooms as well.