top of page

CANDLE SAFETY

National Fire Protection Assocation

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.

​

​Facts & figures

During the fire-year period of 2005-2009

​

- 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.

​

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

​

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

​

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

​

- 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.

​

​​​​​​​

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

​​

bottom of page