RoSPA Press Office : Press Release

December 19, 2007
RoSPA CANDLE FIRE WARNING TO AVOID CHRISTMAS TRAGEDIES

With candles proving immensely popular again this Christmas, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents is reminding people to take care with them during their celebrations.

The most recent fire statistics show that 14 people were killed and 654 people injured in accidental house fires started by candles across the UK in 2005. In total, there were 1,700 accidental candle fires in homes in the UK that year.

Ten years earlier the figures were much lower. In 1995, there were 1,300 candle-related fires in UK homes, leading to the deaths of nine people and injuring 452.

The highest number of candle-related house fire deaths in the intervening decade was in 2003, when 22 people lost their lives.

Dawn Dcaccia, the safety charity’s Head of Home Safety, said: “Candles and oil burners have enjoyed a resurgence in popularity in recent years and the shops are currently packed full with them, both to give as gifts and to use as Christmas decorations.

“Christmas is a time when your home is likely to be full of people and it is in the excitement of the season that accidents – including fires - can easily happen. In fact, the Government has warned that people are 50 per cent more likely to die in a house fire over Christmas than at any other time of year.

“Taking care with candles is one way to help you and your family and friends avoid the pain and suffering caused by a Christmas house fire. Even if you are fortunate to escape injury, a fire can still devastate your home and ruin your celebrations.”

RoSPA’s advice is:

• Always read and follow the instructions given on any products that you will be using in your home this Christmas, including candles and oil burners;
• Do not leave burning candles unattended and remember to put them out completely when leaving the house or going to bed;
• Never put candles on or near Christmas trees or other plants, keep them away from other flammable materials including curtains and decorations, and never stand them under a shelf;
• Always place candles in a stable holder, and remember to stand tea lights on a heat-resistant surface (they have been known to burn through baths and televisions);
• Make sure candles are well out of the way of children and pets that could knock them over and cause injury to themselves or start a fire;
• Ensure you have a working smoke alarm (remember to buy batteries for gifts you have purchased so you will not be tempted to remove the batteries from your smoke alarm).