In 2010, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated 9,600 home structure fires that were started by candles.  These fires caused 90 deaths, 820 injries and $370 million in directo property damage.  In 2010, candles caused 3% of reported home fires, 4% of home fire deaths, 6% of home fire injuries, and 5% of the direct property damage from home fires in 2010.

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​Facts & figures

During the fire-year period of 2005-2009

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- More than one-third (36%) of home candles fires started in bedrooms.  These fires caused 43% of the associated deaths and 47% of the associated injuries.

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- On average, 35 home candle fires were reported per day.

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- Falling asleep was a factor in 12% of the home candle fires and 42% of the associated deaths.

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- More than half (55%) of home candle fires occurred when some form of combustible material was left or came too close to the candle.

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- December is the peak time of the year for home canle fires.  In December, 11% of home candle fires began with decorations compared to 4% the rest of the year.

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More information is available through the National Fire Protection Association at www.nfpa.org​​​​​​​​​​

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