Holiday candle and incense safety – Fire Line

According to the National Fire Protection Association, there are on average 20 candle-related fires each day in the U.S. and approximately one-third (37%) of home candle fires start in bedrooms. As you continue to enjoy important fall and winter holidays, please pay special attention to the following to keep everyone safe.

• When possible, use flameless battery-powered candles — they can look and smell like real candles
• Keep candles and incense at least 12 inches from anything that can burn
• Candleholders should be heat resistant, sturdy and large enough to contain any drips or melted wax and won’t tip over easily
• Place candle and incense holders on a sturdy, uncluttered surface where they won’t be knocked over.
• Blow out all candles and extinguish incense before you leave a room and before you go to bed
• Keep candles, incense, matches and lighters out of reach of children and pets
• Don’t burn a candle all the way down — put it out before it gets too close to the holder or container
• Avoid the use of candles and incense in the bedroom and other areas where people may fall asleep
• Always have a flashlight with batteries handy in case of a power outage

Enjoy our candle and incense safety video in multiple languages.

Learn more about candle fire safety