After Two Home Fires, Oakdale Police Department Issues Warning

From the Oakdale Police Department:

During the past week alone, two dangerous situations involving accidental fires were investigated by the Oakdale Police Department.

In one situation, a candle was left burning without a base or fireproof container. In the second situation, “cold” charcoal grill ashes were reportedly discarded into a plastic trash receptacle which was located in a garage.

Both incidents were reported by observant citizens who had been alerted by the presence of smoke.

It is important to remember these safety tips:

• Keep in mind seemingly “cool” ashes may reignite when moved and exposed to oxygen.
• It is recommended that ashes cool for at least 48 hours before disposing.
• Dispose of cold ashes by wrapping in heavy-duty aluminum foil and placing in non-combustible container. Be sure no other combustible materials are nearby.
• If you must dispose of ashes before completely cooled, place them in heavy duty foil and soak with water completely before disposing in a non-combustible container.
• Always keep burning candles within sight. Extinguish all candles when leaving a room or before going to sleep.
• Never burn a candle on or near anything that may catch fire. Keep burning candles away from furniture, drapes, bedding, carpets, books, paper, flammable decorations, etc.
• Keep candles out of the reach of children and pets. Do not place lighted candles where they can be knocked over by children, pets or anyone else.
• Trim candlewicks to 1/4 inch each time before burning. Long or crooked wicks cause uneven burning and dripping.
• Always use a candleholder specifically designed for candle use. The holder should be heat resistant, sturdy and large enough to contain any drips or melted wax.
• Be sure the candleholder is placed on a stable, heat-resistant surface. This will also help prevent possible heat damage to counters and table surfaces and prevent glass containers from cracking or breaking.
• Keep the wax pool free of wick trimmings, matches and debris at all times.
• Always read and follow the manufacturers use and safety instructions. Do not burn a candle longer than the manufacturer recommends.
• Keep burning candles away from drafts, vents, ceiling fans and air currents. This will help prevent rapid, uneven burning and avoid flame flare-ups and sooting.
• Always burn candles in a well ventilated room.
• Use a candle snuffer to extinguish a candle to avoid hot wax burns.
• Make sure a candle is completely extinguished and the wick ember is no longer glowing before leaving the room.
• Never use a candle as a night light.
• Keep burning candles away from fire suppression sprinkler heads.