Seattle Fire Department: Holiday Fire Safety Tips: Candles And Incense

Press release from the Seattle Fire Department :

Carrie Brazil

November 17, 2021

According to the National Fire Protection Association, from 2014 to 2018, US fire departments responded to an average of 7,600 home fires started by candles per year. These fires cause an annual average of 81 civilian deaths and 677 civilian injuries, as well as $278 million in property damage.

During this period, candles were the third leading cause of bedroom fires, the fourth leading cause of living room fires and the sixth leading cause of home fire injuries. 

Candles aren’t only for birthday cakes and while flameless candles are the safest way to go, we know burning candles and incense are an important part of many religious, cultural, spiritual and personal celebrations. As we continue to enjoy this season’s important holidays, please pay special attention to the following Candle & Incense Safety Tips to keep your entire family safe:

Please watch our new incense & candle fire safety video:

National Fire Protection Association: Candles Safety

https://www.nfpa.org//-/media/Files/Public-Education/Resources/Safety-tip-sheets/CandleSafetyTips.pdf

National Fire Protection Association: Religious Candles Safety

https://www.nfpa.org/~/media/files/public-education/resources/safety-tip-sheets/religious_candles_safety_tips.pdf

This press release was produced by the Seattle Fire Department. The views expressed here are the author’s own.