Decorations include indoor and outdoor holiday lights, Christmas trees, wreaths, ornamentals and candles. During the month of December, the National Fire Protection Association, NFPA, reports that the number of home fires attributed to candles nearly doubles. In Columbia, candle fires have been on the increase over the past several years. Nationally, over three quarters of the home fires caused by candles can be attributed to the candle being unattended while being burned. One fifth of all home fires caused by candles were caused when the candle was placed to close to a combustible material such as curtains, bedding, or other materials.
Many people believe that when a candle is in a holder, there is little to no risk of fire.
However, there are no standards for candle holders and many of the glass holders are not heat tempered and will crack and break when over heated when candles are burned for long periods of time. While seemingly a small risk, candles are dangerous because of the open flame they produce. But keep matches, lighters and candles away from children and never leave burning candles unattended. The Columbia Fire Department offers the following safety tips which apply to candles to make sure that your family has a safe holiday season. Install and maintain working smoke alarms on each level of your home and in each sleeping room.