Following a few safety tips helps for a safe, happy holiday season

Michele Anderson, Public Safety Communications Manager

Wednesday, December 13, 2017 at 10:53 a.m.

December is the peak time of year for home candle fires. According to the National Fire Protection Association, in December 11% of home candle fires began with decorations compared to 4% the rest of the year.

“The holidays present great potential for candle-related home fires,” says Spokane Fire Marshal Michael Miller. “Statistics show the top three days for home candle fires are Christmas, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.”

Residents must remember that while candles bring an added element to holiday celebrations, the open flame of a candle can easily and quickly ignite any combustible that is close by such as curtains, draperies, bedding and holiday decorations.

The Spokane Fire Department (SFD) suggests the following safety tips to help avoid a candle-related holiday tragedy from occurring:

  • Use battery-operated flameless candles as an alternative to traditional open flame candles.
  • If you do use candles, ensure that they are placed in sturdy holders.
  • Use candles in sturdy metal, glass or ceramic holders that are placed where they won’t tip over easily. Be sure they are large enough to collect dripping wax.
  • Never use candles on live or artificial Christmas trees.
  • Keep candles away from items that can catch fire such as holiday decorations, curtains and draperies, bedding, clothing, books, etc.
  • Always extinguish all candles when leaving the room or going to sleep.
  • Never leave your home with candles burning, and do not leave candles burning unattended.
  • Keep candles and all open flames away from flammable liquids.
  • Keep candle wicks trimmed to one-quarter inch, and extinguish taper and pillar candles when they get to within two inches of the holders. Votive candles and containers should be extinguished before the last half-inch of wax starts to melt.

The Spokane Fire Department would like to wish everyone a safe holiday season. For more information on holiday fire safety tips contact SFD’s Fire Prevention Bureau at 509-625-7058.