Just A Thought: Candles pretty, but dangerous

With the cold weather setting in, I recently went to the store and purchased fragrances and candles to get rid of the closed-in smell that seems to be accumulating in my home. I bought some candles that smelled like peppermint, for the upcoming holiday season, and ones that smelled like apples and cinnamon, which are my favorite. I also bought some liquid scents that work with my tea light candles.

Who doesn’t love candles? They come in all shapes and sizes, colors and fragrances. People can use them in every room of the house. Candles are used for colorful decoration and their air-freshening ability. We also use them to set different moods in our home. A relaxing soak in the tub or romantic evening at home just screams at you to light a candle.

Sometimes it amazes me as to the variety of candles available today. The curious part of me had to look into why. Apparently, back in 1974, candle companies established the National Candle Association, with the purpose of “promoting the consumer acceptance and usage of candles and candle accessories.”

This is why there are so many. The candle companies want to make sure you can find just the right shape, color and scent. They also make sure they are affordable with some candles as low as 50 cents.

This year, the candle industry expects to make $2.3 billion in candle and accessory sales. A candle manufacturer can offer up to 2,000 varieties of candles and accessories in its product line. Industries make long tapered candles, votive candles, container candles, aromacology candles, luminaria candles, scented/unscented candles, ball candles, square candles, textured candles and the list just goes on and on. Most of these do come with a fire precaution statement.

It used to be that candles were used only at special diner occasions or when electricity is not available, but not anymore. It is estimated that seven out of 10 households have candles.

Because of this, our exposure to candles has increased dramatically. I found it surprising the number of home fires has actually gone down in the last two to three decades. However, the number of candle-related fires has increased.

The U.S. Fire Administration estimates candles are responsible for approximately 10,000 residential fires each year, 1,000 civilian injuries, 85 fatalities and $120 million in property loss. These estimates are based on data from 1994-1998.

Most of these fires can be attributed to misuse. Nearly 40 percent of candle fires occur because candles are left unattended and nearly 20 percent occur because candles are left next to something combustible.

Here are a few safety precautions for candle lovers:

Candles should be placed away from drafts and anything that could catch fire (decorations, curtains).

Burn candles only in the room you are in and always blow them out before you leave.

Never leave candles burning while sleeping.

Keep candles out of reach of children and pets.

Be very cautious about using candles that have more than one wick or several candles placed together, as they can produce high flames and intense heat.

Long wicks should be cut off before use and all candle holders should be non-combustible, big enough to contain dripping wax and sturdy enough to not tip over.

Given these few safety precautions, candles can be used safely for decoration, ambiance, or fragrance. I guess the old saying is true: An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Lisa Chapman is a reporter for the Standard. She can be reached at 473-2191 or by e-mail at [email protected].