Candle Caution: Safe Candle Burning is a Necessity!

Few sights are more attractive than a few brightly lit candles, and candles are one of the few things that can transform the light, mood and atmosphere of a space so beautifully. But burning candles can also be dangerous, and as the popularity of decorative and fragrant candles increases, so does the number of fires caused by unsafe candle burning.

Fortunately, following a few common sense tips makes candle burning a safe and enjoyable activity any time, anywhere. Here are some basic recommendations for safe candle burning:

Trim candle wicks to limit and control the size of the flame (trimming a candle's wick before you start burning it will also prolong the overall life of the candle).
Never, ever leave a burning candle unattended.
Placing lit candles too close to other combustible objects is the primary cause of candle fires in theUS. That's why the United States Fire Administration suggests leaving a one-foot "circle of safety" around each burning candle. Make sure nothing flammable falls within this circle to stop the flame from spreading.
Place all candles in metal, glass or ceramic candleholders. Candleholders are not only excellent decorative accents; they're also perfect for stabilizing and containing candle flames and wax.
Make sure burning candles are kept well out of the reach of infants, small children and pets.
Place candles on solid, stable surfaces in areas where they cannot accidentally be knocked over.
Always extinguish candles after use and never, ever go to bed with candles still burning.