Poll - Did you know December is the peak time of the year for home candle fires?

# Fire Prevention

# Community Risk Reduction

# Candle

A poll to educate you community about candle safety during holidays

Joseph Porcelli

Question: Did you know December is the peak time of the year for home candle fires?

(Post Credit, Mike Ball, Milwaukee Fire)

Options:

Yes, I knew this

Had no idea; thanks

Other

Description:

Happy Holidays to all!

Did you know that from 2012-2016, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated 8,200 home structure fires that were started by candles? These fires caused an annual average of 80 deaths, 770 injuries, and $264 million in direct property damage.

Also, between 2012-2016:

🕯️Candles caused 2% of reported home fires, 3% of home fire deaths, 7% of home fire injuries, and 4% of the direct property damage in home fires.

🛏️ Roughly one-third (37%) of home candle fires started in bedrooms. These fires caused 30% of the associated deaths and 50% of the associated injuries.

😴 Falling asleep was a factor in 11% percent of the home candle fires and 21% of the associated deaths.

🔥 On average, 23 home candle fires were reported per day.

🔥 Three of every five (60%) home candle fires occurred when combustible material was left or came too close to the candle.

Source: NFPA "Home Candle Fires" report https://www.nfpa.org/-/media/Files/News-and-Research/Fire-statistics-and-reports/US-Fire-Problem/Fire-causes/osCandles.pdf?utm_source=Nextdoor

23 Fires daily on average is no small number! So, if you use candles, please be safe by keeping them at least 12" from any object. If you leave the room or go to bed, extinguish the candle! Finally, you must be especially vigilant if you have cats or small children! Please spread the word to your friends and family who burn candles too. Also, feel free to share your tips below.

If you have other tips, share them below in the comments, and kindly repost this message to your neighbors on Nextdoor by clicking the "Share" button/arrow below and then "Repost in newsfeed."

Photo credit, Niklas Ohlrogge - https://unsplash.com/photos/i8RKD8wlMHI