Tyler Brooks
Candles are a common household item, often used to create a sense of ambiance or tranquility. However, they can also pose a fire hazard if not carefully monitored. Candle fires can result in severe property damage and injuries, and in more serious cases, even death. Therefore, it is crucial to know how to properly extinguish a candle to prevent and manage such incidents. While there are various methods available, from using a candle snuffer to a fire extinguisher, it is important to assess the situation and choose the appropriate technique to ensure safety and effectively put out the flame.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fire extinguisher | Only use a Class K or Class B fire extinguisher, as they use specially-formulated chemicals to put out flames. |
| Fire type | Identify the type of fire to know which fire extinguisher to use. |
| Safety | Only trained personnel should operate a fire extinguisher. |
| Evacuation | If the fire is spreading rapidly, blocking your escape route, or involves hazardous materials, evacuate the location immediately and call the emergency services. |
| Water | Do not use water to extinguish a candle fire, as it can cause the hot wax to splatter and spread the fire. |
| Flammable liquids | Never use flammable liquids like gasoline or alcohol to extinguish a candle fire, as it could cause an explosion. |
| Blowing | Do not blow on the flame, as this will only fan it and increase the size of the fire. |
| Smothering | Use a flame retardant lid or other material to smother the flame and cut off its oxygen supply. |
| Candle safety | Never leave a burning candle unattended, especially near flammable items. |
| Candle placement | Keep candles away from furniture, drapes, bedding, carpets, books, paper, flammable decorations, etc. |
| Candle height | Keep candles out of the reach of children and pets. |
| Wick | Trim the wick to about 1/4 inch to prevent a large, flickering flame. |
| Snuffers | Use a candle snuffer to extinguish a candle, as it prevents hot wax from splattering. |
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What You'll Learn
Using a fire extinguisher
It is crucial to have proper training and understanding of fire extinguishers. Consider taking a fire safety course or consulting with local fire authorities to ensure you know how to manage fires effectively. Only trained personnel should attempt to use a fire extinguisher if they understand how it works and have been properly instructed beforehand.
If you are confident in your ability to use a fire extinguisher, make sure you are using the right type. Only use a Class K or Class B fire extinguisher, as they use specially formulated chemicals to put out flames. A Class A extinguisher is water-based and will not produce effective results on a house fire caused by a candle. Using this type of extinguisher can worsen the fire. Class K and Class B fire extinguishers are designed to put out grease fires and work well for larger flames. Remember to point the extinguisher at the base of the fire.
If the candle fire is small, there are other methods to try before resorting to a fire extinguisher. You could try throwing baking soda or salt onto the flame. When heated, baking soda creates a chemical reaction that produces carbon dioxide, which helps starve the candle of the oxygen it needs to continue burning. Similarly, salt aids in creating a barrier between the flames and oxygen. Alternatively, you could try smothering the flame with a damp cloth, ensuring it is not dripping wet, or a metal lid or snuffer.
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Removing oxygen supply
Fires require three components to continue burning: heat, fuel, and oxygen. Removing any one of these elements will extinguish the fire. Restricting oxygen to the flame will prevent it from spreading.
For small to medium house fires, you can restrict oxygen by covering the flames. However, do not use a glass or ceramic lid, as these materials can shatter when exposed to extreme temperatures, causing the fire to escalate. Instead, use a flame retardant lid or other material to smother the flames.
Alternatively, you can use a candle snuffer to extinguish a candle. Place the bell of the snuffer (the small metal cup at the end of the long handle) over the wick, depriving the flame of oxygen. Hold the snuffer in place until the flame goes out completely.
Inert gas fire suppression systems are another method of removing oxygen from a fire. These systems inject an inert gas such as nitrogen, argon, or a mixture of both into the area where the fire is present, reducing the amount of oxygen in the atmosphere and creating an environment where combustion cannot occur. These systems are often used in data centers and other areas where conventional fire suppression techniques are insufficient or to protect sensitive equipment or valuable materials.
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Using a candle snuffer
Candle snuffers are an effective way to extinguish a candle without causing a mess or damaging the wick. They are also a safe alternative to blowing out a candle, which can cause sparks and set off smoke alarms.
A candle snuffer is a bell or cylinder-shaped cone with a handle on one end. The bell is the small metal cup at the end of the long handle. To use a candle snuffer, hold it by the handle and slowly move it towards the candle flame. Avoid any sudden movements that might cause the wax to splash. Gently hover the snuffer over the wick without dipping it into the wax. Keep the snuffer over the flame for around 10 seconds, until the flame goes out. This will deprive the flame of oxygen, causing it to extinguish.
After the flame is extinguished, carefully lift the snuffer straight up and away from the candle. Avoid bumping the wick with the snuffer or dipping it into the wax, as this can cause debris to drop into the wax.
Candle snuffers are available in various shapes and designs, including bell, beehive, disk, and pyramid shapes. They are typically inexpensive and can be found wherever candles are sold. Using a candle snuffer is a safe and effective way to extinguish a candle, protecting the quality of the candle and preserving its fragrance.
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Preventative measures
Firstly, always use a candleholder designed for candle use. It should be heat-resistant, sturdy, and large enough to contain any wax drips or melted wax. Avoid placing candles near drafts, vents, or air currents, as this can cause rapid or uneven burning, sooting, and excessive dripping. It is recommended that candles are not burned for longer than four hours and are allowed to cool for at least two hours before relighting.
Secondly, keep candles away from flammable items. The National Fire Protection Association reports that half of all candle fires started when a flammable item was placed too close to the candle. Keep candles at least 12 inches away from anything that may catch fire, including furniture, drapes, bedding, carpets, books, paper, and flammable decorations.
Thirdly, never leave a burning candle unattended. This is a critical safety measure. Extinguish candles when they are out of sight or before leaving the room, and keep them out of the reach of children and pets.
Finally, practice proper wick maintenance. Keep the wick trimmed to about 1/4 to 1/8 of an inch to prevent a large, flickering flame. Extinguish the candle if the flame becomes too high or flickers repeatedly, and always let the candle cool before relighting.
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Using water
While it is possible to use water to extinguish a small candle flame, it is not recommended. Water can cause hot wax to splash, potentially spreading the fire. If the candle is in a glass container, water can cause the glass to break, spilling wax.
If you choose to use water, you must ensure the flame is small, with minimal risk of splashing wax or spreading the fire. You should also be aware that a chemical reaction can occur when water comes into contact with melted wax, which could cause an explosion.
To use water effectively to extinguish a small candle flame, you should carefully assess the situation and ensure it is safe to do so. Make sure there are no flammable objects or materials nearby that could be ignited by splashing wax. Slowly pour a small amount of water directly onto the flame, aiming to deprive it of oxygen and stifle it. Be cautious and prepared to evacuate the area if the fire spreads.
It is important to note that using water to extinguish a candle flame is generally not recommended due to the risks involved. There are alternative methods, such as using a candle snuffer, a wick dipper, or simply blowing out the flame, that are safer and more effective. These methods prevent hot wax from splattering and minimise smoke and soot.
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Frequently asked questions
First, do not panic. Take a deep breath and assess the situation calmly. If the fire is spreading rapidly, blocking your escape route, or involves hazardous materials, evacuate the location immediately and call the emergency services. If it is safe to do so, you can try to extinguish the candle using a flame retardant lid or another material to smother the flame and cut off its oxygen supply. You can also try using baking soda, which releases carbon dioxide when heated, suffocating the flame. If the flame is small, you may be able to use water, but be aware that this can cause the hot wax to splash and spread the fire. Never use a flammable liquid to put out a candle fire, as it could cause an explosion.
You can try to smother the flame by covering it with a flame retardant lid or another material. You can also use a damp cloth to smother the flame, but make sure it is not dripping wet. If the flame is small, you can sprinkle baking soda over it, as it releases carbon dioxide when heated, suffocating the flame.
Do not touch or move the candle, as the hot wax can spill, causing burns or spreading the fire. Do not use water to extinguish the candle, as this can cause the wax to splash and spread the fire. Do not use a glass or ceramic lid to cover the flame, as these materials can shatter when exposed to extreme temperatures. Do not blow on the flame, as this will only fan it and increase the size of the fire.
