Jessie Taylor
Candles are a common cause of house fires, with many firefighters expressing that they would never have candles in their own homes due to the risk. In Australia, between 2015 and 2017, candles caused 64 out of 1,521 house fires attended by the MFS and CFS in South Australia. While some fires are unavoidable, most candle fires can be prevented by following basic safety rules, such as never leaving a candle unattended and keeping candles away from flammable objects.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of house fires caused by candles in South Australia between 2015 and 2017 | 64 |
| Percentage of house fires caused by candles out of total house fires in South Australia between 2015 and 2017 | 4.2% |
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What You'll Learn
Fire safety tips to prevent candle-related house fires
While candles are a part of many celebrations, they are dangerous if they tip over or are placed too close to flammable objects. In fact, on average, 20 home candle fires are reported each day. Here are some fire safety tips to prevent candle-related house fires:
Never leave a burning candle unattended and always ensure it is in your line of sight. Extinguish candles before leaving a room, and certainly before leaving your home or going to bed. Make sure the candle is completely out and the wick ember is no longer glowing.
Keep candles away from flammable objects. Place candles at least 12 inches away from anything that can burn, such as curtains, paper, or clothing. Do not use candles in bedrooms, bathrooms, or sleeping areas.
Use proper candleholders. Always use a candleholder that is specifically designed for candle use. It should be heat-resistant, sturdy, and large enough to contain any drips or melted wax. Ensure the candleholder is placed on a stable, flat surface where it cannot be knocked over easily.
Keep candles out of reach of children and pets. Do not allow children or pets to play with candles and keep matches and lighters out of their reach.
Trim the wick before lighting a candle. A long or crooked wick can cause uneven burning, dripping, or flaring. Keep the wax pool clear of wick trimmings, matches, and debris.
Avoid drafts. Keep candles away from drafts, vents, or air currents to prevent rapid or uneven burning, sooting, and excessive dripping.
Use flameless candles. Consider using battery-operated flameless candles, which can look, smell, and feel like real candles without the fire risk.
By following these fire safety tips, you can help prevent candle-related house fires and keep your home safe.
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Firefighter's perspective on house fires caused by candles
Firefighters have a unique and important perspective on house fires caused by candles. They are the ones who often have to deal with the aftermath of these incidents, so their insights are invaluable in preventing them.
One firefighter in South Australia shared their experience, stating that they don't think any of their colleagues would have candles in their homes due to the high risk of fires. Indeed, candle-related house fires are not uncommon. In the three years leading up to December 31, 2017, the MFS and CFS in South Australia responded to 64 fires started by candles. This accounts for a significant number of the total house fires they attended during that period.
The firefighter went on to explain that most house fires they attend start in the kitchen due to unattended cooking. However, candles are a close second, and the damage they cause can be extensive. For example, one family's home suffered significant damage when candles ignited their daughter's bedroom while she was out. The fire spread to her curtains and caused ash, soot, and plastic from incinerated clothing to disperse throughout the house via the air conditioning ducting. The experience resulted in a damage bill of almost $100,000 and months of repairs and upheaval.
To prevent candle-related house fires, firefighters emphasize the importance of following basic safety rules. This includes never leaving a burning candle unattended, keeping candles away from flammable objects, and ensuring they are out of the reach of children and pets. Additionally, it is crucial to use proper candleholders, trim wicks to the recommended length, and avoid drafts that can cause rapid or uneven burning.
By sharing their perspective and knowledge, firefighters play a vital role in educating the public about candle safety. It is important for people to understand that while candles can enhance our homes and create ambiance, they must be treated with respect and caution to prevent devastating fires.
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Data on candle-related house fires in Australia
In South Australia, figures from the Metropolitan Fire Service (MFS) and the Country Fire Service (CFS) show that of the 1,521 house fires attended to by both services, 64 were ignited by candles. This accounts for roughly 4.2% of total house fires in the state.
In one particular incident, a family's home caught fire when candles placed on a window ledge ignited cotton curtains. The fire was contained to one bedroom, but the damage bill was estimated to amount to $100,000, with months of repairs needed to restore the house.
While candle-related house fires are indeed a cause for concern, it is worth noting that the majority of house fires are attributed to other causes. For instance, in the case of South Australia, over half of the house fires attended by the MFS and CFS began in the kitchen, with unattended cooking being a primary culprit.
To mitigate the risk of candle-related house fires, fire services recommend taking preventive measures. These include never leaving burning candles unattended, keeping them away from flammable objects, and ensuring they are properly extinguished before leaving the room.
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Cost of damage caused by candle-related house fires
In South Australia, candle fires caused around $7.75 million in damage to 113 homes over a five-year period, resulting in an average damage cost of $68,584 per candle fire. This figure is expected to rise as candle fires continue to cause significant damage to property and belongings.
The high cost of damage caused by candle-related house fires is often due to the extensive repair and restoration work required. In one example, a family in Australia experienced a house fire caused by candles in glass containers that ignited their teenage daughter's bedroom. The fire resulted in almost $100,000 in damages, including the cost of rebuilding the bedroom, replacing the air conditioning system and roof insulation, and cleaning the ash, soot, and plastic residue dispersed throughout the house.
Candle fires can also lead to the destruction of entire homes, as noted by Minister for Emergency Services Vincent Tarzia, who warned that candle fires had resulted in destroyed homes and posed a significant risk to lives and property. The cost of rebuilding a home after a fire can be substantial, with expenses ranging from structural repairs to the replacement of personal belongings.
Additionally, candle fires can cause indirect costs due to displacement and temporary accommodation needs. Families may have to bear the cost of temporary housing or hotel stays while their homes are being repaired, adding to the overall financial burden of the fire. The emotional and psychological impact of losing one's home or treasured possessions can also result in intangible costs that are harder to quantify.
To prevent candle-related house fires, fire authorities emphasize the importance of never leaving open flames unattended and avoiding placement near combustible materials or on plastic surfaces. Following fire safety guidelines can help reduce the risk of candle fires and mitigate the potential costs associated with them.
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Other common causes of house fires in Australia
In Western Australia, electrical faults were the leading cause of house fires in 2018, according to the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES). Fires caused by faulty or mistreated appliances are among the leading causes of house fires in Australia. Glen Walker, the RAC Insurance Home Claims Manager, highlights the increasing popularity of outdoor kitchens and the associated fire risks, including those from barbeques due to a lack of cleaning and general maintenance.
Another common cause of house fires is smoking materials, such as cigarettes or pipes, which are responsible for more than a quarter of known causes of residential fires. Candles are also a significant fire hazard, with firefighters advising against having candles in the home due to the high risk of fire.
Laptop computers and mobile phone chargers are substantial sources of fire damage. Chargers should not be used on or under bedding as they can heat up and ignite bed clothes. Devices should always be charged on a hard surface and kept away from anything flammable. Rechargeable batteries can also create a fire risk if they are dropped repeatedly or physically damaged.
Linseed and other oils commonly used to treat wooden outdoor furniture can self-ignite without an external ignition source. Oily rags should be spread out and left to dry before disposal to prevent heat build-up and potential ignition. Fridge fires are also common, with firefighters reporting that many fires they attend are started by fridges in carports.
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Frequently asked questions
In South Australia, 64 out of 1,521 house fires attended by the MFS and CFS between January 2015 and December 2017 were ignited by candles.
Here are some candle safety tips recommended by the National Candle Association and firefighters:
- Never leave a burning candle unattended.
- Never burn a candle near anything flammable, such as furniture, drapes, bedding, carpets, books, or paper.
- Keep candles out of the reach of children and pets.
- Don't burn a candle all the way down; discontinue burning when 0.5 inches of wax remains in the container or 2 inches for a pillar candle.
- Always trim the wick to 0.25 inches before burning.
- Never use water to extinguish a candle.
In one instance, a family's house caught on fire due to candles in glass containers on a window ledge that ignited cotton curtains. The fire was contained to one bedroom, but the damage bill was estimated at $100,000, and the house required extensive repairs.
