SJRFD Candle Safety Tips

During the winter and Christmas holiday season, a few candles scattered around the room can lend a warm glow to any evening. When using candles, take extra care and place them away from curtains, pets and children and don’t put them under a shelf or other furniture.

To help you enjoy your candles safely, the St.John's Regional Fire Department (SJRFD) would like to offer the following safety tips:
 
Before Lighting

• Trim the wick to one quarter inch each time before burning. Long or crooked wicks can cause uneven burning, dripping or flaring.
• Use candle holders that are non-combustible, sturdy and won’t tip over easily. It should be large enough to contain any drips or melted wax.
• Place candle holder 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.
• Avoid drafts, vents or air currents. This will help prevent rapid or uneven burning, and excessive dripping.

While Burning

• Use a candle snuffer to extinguish a candle. It’s the safest way to prevent hot wax from splattering.
• Never use water to extinguish a candle. Water can cause the hot wax to splatter and might break a glass container.
• Make sure the candle is completely out and the wick ember is no longer glowing before leaving the room.
• Don’t touch or move the candle until it has completely cooled.
• Never use a knife or sharp object to remove wax drippings from a glass holder. It might scratch, weaken, or cause the glass to break upon subsequent use.

Keep yourself and your loved ones safe by testing your smoke alarms regularly and by practicing your escape routes.
 
For more information contact:
Captain Mike Maher
Fire Prevention Officer
St. John’s Regional Fire Department
(709) 576-3905
fireprevention@stjohns.ca