When lighting a candle, it's crucial to not neglect safety measures to avoid potential fire hazards. One of the key things to avoid is lighting a candle without trimming the wick. A long or crooked wick can cause uneven burning and dripping. Another mistake is to light a candle near flammable objects such as curtains, books, or paper. It's also important to not leave a burning candle unattended. This can lead to a fire if the candle is knocked over or burns down too much. Furthermore, don't burn a candle all the way down. Always extinguish it when it's 1/2 inch from the bottom or 2 inches if it's in a container. Lastly, avoid using a candle during a power outage as it can easily be knocked over in the dark, instead, use flashlights or other battery-powered lights.