To avoid winter fires, treat candles with respect

Bill Wilson

Thursday, Oct. 23, 2008 | midnight

Halloween starts off the holiday season, and candle usage goes up throughout the rest of the year.

Whether you use candles for romantic dinners, atmosphere, religious ceremonies or holiday celebrations, remember, you're dealing with an open flame. Treat it with respect.

Statistics show that candle fires are one of the few types of home fires that have increased dramatically over the past decade. During the winter months, candle fires nearly double compared with the other three seasons.

To avoid trouble with candles, the Boulder City Fire Department suggest the following tips:

• Use sturdy, non-flammable candle holders that won't tip over easily and are large enough to collect dripping wax.
• Burn candles on level, uncluttered surfaces.
• Keep candles at least one foot away from anything than can burn.
• Trim candle wicks to one-quarter inch before lighting
• Don't place lit candles in windows or near doorways where drafts could bring combustibles in contact with the flames.
• Extinguish candles when they burn down to within two inches of their holder. Be careful not to splatter hot wax.
• Never leave burning candles or glowing wicks unattended.
• Children should be taught that candles, like matches and lighters, are tools for adults, not toys.

Also:

• Supervise children around burning candles.
• Place candles away from table edges where children or pets can't knock them over.
• Store candles, matches, and lighters up high and our of children's sight and reach, preferably in a locked cabinet.

Finally, candles are not the best choice for emergency lighting. Keep working flashlights and battery-powered lamps on hand for when your power goes off.

For answers to further questions contact the Boulder City Fire Department at 293-9228.

Bill Wilson, a firefighter-paramedic for the Boulder City Fire Department, can be reached at 293-9228.