Candle Safety Day - December 10, 2012
The second Monday in December has been established as Candle Safety Day by MGL C.6: S.12XX to promote the safe use of candles in the commonwealth and recommending that this day be observed in an appropriate manner by the people.

115 Candle Fires Caused 2 Civilian Deaths & 12 Civilian Injuries
In 2011, candles caused 115 fires, two civilian deaths, 12 civilian injuries, five firefighter injuries and an estimated dollar loss of  $2.3 million in damages. There was a 20% decrease from the 142 fires of all types started by candles in Massachusetts in 2010.

Candle Fires Happen Most During the Holidays
The increased candle use during the holidays leads to more candle fires at this time of year. Between 2007 and 2011, the days of the year the most candle fires occurred were December 14, 19 and 25, Christmas. December 24, Christmas Eve, and November 3 were a close second. Candles should be blown out when you leave the room and children should always be supervised , especially around burning candles. Extra care should be taken to prevent candle fires during the holidays.

Boston Has Largest Loss Candle Fire
On April 14, 2011, at 11:21 p.m., the Boston Fire Department was called to a candle fire in a three-unit apartment building. The fire started when a candle ignited an upholstered chair in the third floor living room. No one was injured at this fire. Smoke detectors were present and alerted the occupants. The building was not sprinklered. Damages were estimated to be $450,000.

Over 1/3 of Candle Fires in Homes Occurred in the Bedroom
Of the 101 candle fires in residential structures, 35% occurred in the bedroom. Twenty percent (20%) occurred in the kitchen; 18% occurred in the living room; 8% happened in unclassified function rooms such as three-season rooms; and 6% started in the bathroom. It is all too easy to fall asleep and leave a candle burning unattended in the bedroom.

DFS and NFPA Conducted Joint Study on Candle Fires
Candle fires had become a serious problem in Massachusetts during the decade of the 1990s, nearly tripling from 93 incidents in 1990 to an all-time high of 343 in 1999. Candle fires over the past decade have decreased from the peak of 299 candle fires in 2001 to 144 in 2010.

Candle Safety Tips

  1. Burn candles within a one-foot circle, free of anything that can burn.
  2. Never leave candles burning unattended.
  3. Always extinguish candles after use.
  4. Use a non-combustible saucer or candleholder.
  5. Keep candles out of reach of children and pets.