Fire Prevention 52: Light My Fire

U.S. fire departments respond to an average of 7,610 home structure fires started by candles every year.

Light My Fire! But Don't Burn the House Down in the Process

Candlelight can be festive and romantic. Lighting the house on fire...not so much!

Those candles, as romantic as they are, can be very dangerous.

On average, 21 home candle fires are reported every day nationwide and December is the peak month for candle fires. 

U.S. fire departments respond to an average of 7,610 home structure fires started by candles every year. These fires cause an annual average of:

• 81 civilian deaths
• 677 civilian fire injuries
• $278 million in direct property damage.

There is nothing festive or romantic about that!

Fire Info for You

Everyone:

• If you are going to use candles, watch this video for safety tips!
• For those of us who live in government housing, consult your park’s Housing Management Plan to find out if candles are permitted.
• Read about more ways to use candles safely.

Take Action

1. Don't leave candles burning when you are not there or are going to sleep.
2. Keep burning candles at least 12 inches away from anything that can catch fire. For added insurance, place your candles on a dinner plate. If real candles are a hazard, use the battery-powered flameless ones instead!
3. Keep extra flashlights and batteries on hand to use during power outages instead of candles.

NPS Fire Facts

During the summer at Oregon Caves National Monument, the last tour of the day is conducted by candlelight. This gives visitors a chance to see what early explorers of the cave might have seen as they went from room to room with a candle.