Related page: The national Fire Kills campaign's candle safety Facebook page

10 November 2011

Firefighters in Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes are supporting a national campaign to try to reduce the number of deaths and injuries caused by fires started by candles.

Nationally, they account for more than 50 house fires a day and over the past six years they have led to 64 deaths and nearly 3,000 injuries.

During the same period in Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes, there have been 54 fires started by candles, causing one death and 20 injuries.

Chris Bailey, head of Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service’s community safety team, said: “The number of candle-related house fires rises sharply in winter, peaking at more than double the summer average in December. 

“The most important steps you can take include making sure your candles are kept away from flammable materials like curtains and putting candles out when you leave the room, even if it’s only for a moment.”

Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service has teamed up with the British Candlemakers’ Federation to offer these top tips:

• Never leave candles unattended. Put burning candles out when you leave the room, and make sure they are out completely at night.
  
  
• Place your candles carefully. Make sure they are on a stable surface, out of the reach of pets and children, and keep them away from flammable objects like curtains, furniture, bedding and books.
  
  
• Don’t move candles once they are lit, and don’t burn several candles close together as this might cause the flame to flare.
  
  
• Burn candles in a well-ventilated room, out of drafts, vents or air currents. This will help prevent rapid or uneven burning, soot and dripping.
  
  
• Put candles out with a snuffer or a spoon - sparks can fly if you blow them out.
  
  
• Always put scented candles in a heat-resistant holder. These candles are designed to liquify when heated to maximise fragrance.
  
  
• Fit a smoke alarm and test it regularly. A working smoke alarm can buy you valuable time to get out, stay out and call 999. Ring Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service on 01296 744477 or send an email to cs@bucksfire.,gov.uk to book a free safety check in your home, with free smoke alarms fitted where needed.
  
  
• Make sure that everyone in your home knows what to do if a fire should occur – practise your escape route.