Tips From The National Fire Protection Association

Learn ways you can practice better Candle Fire Safety

Facts and figures

• During 2001, an estimated 18,000 home fires started by candles were reported to public fire departments. These fires resulted in an estimated 190 deaths, 1,450 injuries and an estimated direct property loss of $265 million. 

• Home candle fires rose 15% from 2000 to 2001 to hit their 22-year peak in 2001, the latest year for which data is available. 

• Candle fires accounted for an estimated 5% of all reported home fires.

• Four out of ten candle fires started in the bedroom. One in six start in commonly used rooms such as the living room, family room or den. Nearly half the people killed by candle fires in the home were under the age of 20. Children ages 5 – 9 accounted for a disproportionate share of the victims, with a candle-fire death rate 2.5 times higher than the general population.

• Over the last decade, candle fires have more than tripled from the 5,500 reported in 1990.

• December had almost two times the number of home candle fires of an average month.

• One-third (34%) of candle fires occurred after the candle was left unattended, abandoned or inadequately controlled. Twenty-six percent occurred when some form of combustible material was left or came too close to the candle. Six percent of fires were started by people (usually children) playing with the candle.

• Eleven percent of home candle fires started after the candle user fell asleep.

• Christmas Day was the peak day of the year for home candle fires in 1999-2001. Second peak day was New Year's Day. Third peak day was Christmas Eve.