Candle with Care this Holiday Season

Candles are emerging as a major cause of house fires, and Nova Scotia's fire marshal says the problem is worse in the holiday season.

"Candle fires are twice as common in December as in any other month," said Robert Cormier. "Not only are more candles being used, there's also a lot more fuel available because of wrapping papers and Christmas trees."

In 2000, Canada had 500 fires caused by candles. These fires caused more than $11 million in losses. Five people died. More than 60 people were injured, including 10 firefighters.

Across North America, house fires caused by candles jumped 20 per cent between 1998 and 1999.

"A candle can provide temporary lighting during a winter power failure and is an important symbol during our holiday celebrations," Mr. Cormier said. "But either use can lead to tragedy if we're not very careful."

The most common problems occur when people leave a candle unattended. In a quarter of the cases, something that burns easily was left too close to the candle. In December, that's almost always a decoration or wrapping paper.

To use candles safely this holiday season - or any time of year

• follow these suggestions:
• Use candles only in rooms where there is a responsible adult awake to control and oversee the flame.
• Extinguish all candles before going to bed.
• Keep candles away from items that can catch fire, such as Christmas trees, decorations, papers, clothing, books, window blinds and curtains.
• Keep candles away from high-traffic locations where they can be easily knocked over.
• Make sure that a lit candle is not accessible to children or pets.
• Place candles on stable surfaces in sturdy holders that grip the candle securely and won't tip over.
• Place candles in candle holders that can't burn and are big enough to collect dripping wax.
• Extinguish taper and pillar candles when they burn to within five centimetres (two inches) of the holder
• Votive or container candles should be extinguished before the last centimetre (half-inch) of wax begins to melt.
• Avoid candles with combustible items embedded in them.
• Use extreme caution if you carry a lit candle. Hold it well away from clothing and any combustibles that may be near you. Avoid loose, flowing clothing that is not flame-resistant.