While the flicker of a candle is warming during the Christmas season, each year in Canada a number of fires are started because candles are left burning with no one watching them.
Fires can start when high flames from burning candles touch nearby curtains, party decorations or clothing. A number of fires also start when candle wax gets too hot and it catches fire.
The Swift Current Fire Department reminds the public to take the following safety precautions when using candles:
* Extinguish all candles when leaving the room or going to sleep.
* Keep candles away from items that can catch fire such as clothing, books, paper, curtains, Christmas trees and flammable decorations.
* Use sturdy candles holders that won't tip over easily, are made of a material that can't burn, and are large enough to collect dripping wax.
* Place candles away from windows, where blinds and curtains can close over them.
* Place candle holders on a sturdy, uncluttered surface and don't use candles in places where children or pets can knock them over.
* Keep candles and all open flames away from flammable liquids.
* Trim candle wicks to one-quarter inch and extinguish taper and pillar candles when they get to within two inches of the holder. Votives should be extinguished before the last half inch of wax starts to melt.
* Avoid candles with combustible items embedded in them.
