Do Candles Cause House Fires [You'll Be Surprised]

Published on May 14th, 2023

Candles, with their flickering gleam, are also a common cause of home structure fires that can blaze out of control. Most people use candles for special occasions, such as weddings, birthday parties, or even outdoor barbecues. However, candles may be used to decorate your home or office to give it a festive atmosphere, kindling a touch of warmth to furniture, or as incendiary decorations at events. They can even take the form of books or sites containing inspiring content, like the shimmer of a torch illuminating the surroundings. One crucial factor to consider when using candles is ensuring smoke alarms are installed and operational in all rooms, especially where kids might be playing or bedding is present.

Candle wax can cause fires, transforming a smoldering ember into a roaring bonfire. The heat of the candle flame will melt the hot wax and create a pool of molten wax, which can then catch fire. That is why you should never leave candles unattended when they are burning, especially in areas with furniture like your bed or bedroom, where other flammable items might be closed. Additionally, make sure to maintain a list of potential hazards around candles, such as rooms with flammable materials, and trim candle wicks regularly for safe candle burning.

Candles are made of wax, which is highly flammable and burns at extreme temperatures. If you have candles in your home, be sure they're contained in a closed glass container. Ensure all open flames have been turned off and the windows and doors are shut tight. Regularly checking for access to such items by family members is essential in avoiding accidents and preserving the life of your loved ones.

If you see smoke characterized by unusual hair-like soot or the smell of smoke, get everyone out of the house immediately and call 911. Don't try to put out the fire yourself in such an event; it's too dangerous!

How Do Candles Cause Home Fires?

Candles cause house fires in three ways. The first is when they are left unattended and are knocked over. The second is when they are in a room with combustible material, such as paper or cloth, that can catch fire. The third way candles cause house fires is when they are lit too close to combustible materials.

• When candles are knocked over, they will ignite any flammable material that is nearby — such as paper and cloth. It could cause an electrical fire if the candle were near an appliance like a TV or computer with an electrical outlet nearby.



• Candles should be placed away from curtains, drapes, and other flammable objects in the home. You should never use them in a location with an open flame or another ignition source nearby.

• The third way candles cause house fires is by being lit too close to flammable materials in the room where it's being used. When this happens, the heat from the flame can ignite these materials and cause a fire to start.
  

According to The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA):

In our five-year study of 2015-2019, candle-related home fire incidents accounted for two percent of reported home fires, three percent of home fire deaths, six percent of home fire injuries, and four percent of direct property damage.

Approximately one-third (37%) of home candle fires start in bedrooms, with 35% of deaths and 47% of injuries resulting from these fires. 12% of the home candle fire deaths were caused by falling asleep.

On average, 20 home candle fires occur in homes every day. In 60% of cases, candle fires are caused by materials that ignite when left near a candle or come too close.

It is estimated that 11 percent of candle fires occur in December and January each year.

Many people do not realize that candles can start fires in the home. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), approximately 7,400 structural home candle fires began in the United States from 2015 to 2019.

Fire departments responded to these fires for an estimated $74,000 between 2015 and 2019. An average of 90 people died each year from these fires, 670 people were injured, and $291 million was damaged.

Candles can cause fires when they melt into heating vents or electrical outlets, creating a charred electrical short circuit and spark. This can lead to an explosion that causes significant damage inside your home or even damage to other structures nearby, resembling the scorching effects of fireworks or the charred aftermath of a barbecue.

Candles are a very common household item, often providing a flickering glimmer of light and warmth. Many people use candles, like portable flashlights, for their lighting needs in the home. However, there is a risk that candles can kindle and cause house fires due to elements such as air currents affecting their flame or tinder-like materials nearby.

While it is not common, some people have accidents with candles and end up causing fires in their homes. It happens because they are not used properly, or they are not stored properly, which can lead to a smoldering singe or more severe damage.

When you use candles in your home, it is essential to keep them safe and out of harm's way when they don't work correctly or get knocked over by children or pets. Implementing candle safety tips can significantly reduce the likelihood of accidents.

Candles are a popular remedy for many common ailments but can also cause house fires. Candles can be dangerous if left unattended, especially if they are "extinguished" before the fire has been completely extinguished, allowing embers to smolder and flicker back to life.

If you leave a candle on all night, it can start a fire by allowing air to get into the wick or water, or other materials to flow into the wick and cause it to heat up. This can lead to a house fire if too much fuel is present or there is no oxygen in the room (such as when no windows are open).

If your home has suffered fire damage due to candles, considering a cash offer might be an effective strategy for selling your property swiftly. While candles can create a warm and cozy ambiance, accidents can lead to devastating consequences. If you find yourself in this unfortunate situation, opting for a cash offer can provide much-needed relief and expedite the selling process. Reputable buyers who specialize in purchasing fire-damaged homes can offer a hassle-free solution, allowing you to focus on moving forward and rebuilding. Don't let the aftermath of a house fire overwhelm you; explore the option of a cash offer and take the first step towards a fresh start. Effective strategies for selling a home with fire damage can make all the difference in reclaiming your life and restoring your peace of mind.

Candle fires can happen at any time, especially around the holidays. Here are some fire safety tips and services that can help prevent candle fires:

• Keep your burning candles away from heat sources like heaters and radiators.
• Don't leave a burning candle unattended, even for a few minutes.
• Never use so much wick on a candle that it starts smoking or burns unevenly when lit.
• Ensure candles are properly trimmed to prevent them from overheating and igniting other items in their vicinity (like curtains or clothing).
• To prevent hot wax from splattering, use a candle snuffer.
• It is best practice to put it out after half an inch or two inches if you use a pillar candle.
• Never leave children alone with candles, especially when they fall asleep!
  

Other Things That Cause Fires

• Fans
• Dryers
• Plugin Air Fresheners
• Mice
• Toasters
• Christmas Lights
• Furnaces

• Squirrels
• Smart Meters
• Space Heaters
• Crock Pots
• Lightning
• Fireworks
• Gas Fireplaces

• Electric Blankets
• Solar Panels
• Cigarettes'
• Batteries
• LED Lights
• Candles