By the numbers: Candle fires

The holiday season is here and with the increased usage of seasonal decorations, it is important to focus on candle fire safety.

On average, one home fire results from candles every 34 minutes. In fact, Christmas Day, Christmas Eve, New Year’s Day and New Year’s Eve are the top four days for fires due to candles.

In Washington state, there were 133 fires started by candles in 2008 that caused $2.6 million in damages and 63 fires so far this year that have cause $1.5 million in damages, according to State Fire Marshal Mike Matlick.

“Set a good example for young children by using matches, lighters and fire carefully. If you choose to use candles, make sure they are in sturdy metal, glass or ceramic holders and placed where they cannot be easily knocked down,” Matlick said.

The Fire Marshal offers the following candle safety tips and facts:

• Use candles only in rooms where there is a responsible adult awake to control and oversee the flame. Falling asleep is a factor in 12 percent of home fires caused by candles and 26 percent of associated deaths.

• Do not use candles in sleeping areas. Almost 40 percent of home candle fires begin in the bedroom.

• Keep candles away from combustibles. More than half of all candle fires start when something that could burn, such as furniture, Christmas trees, decorations, window blinds, or curtains, are too close to the candle.

• Keep candles up high, out of reach of children. Young children and older adults have the highest death risk from candle fires.

• Never leave burning candles unattended. In 20 percent of candle fires, the candles are unattended or abandoned.

• Never put lit candles on a Christmas tree. In December, 13 percent of home fires begin with decorations compared to 4 percent the rest of the year.

The Office of the State Fire Marshal is a bureau of the Washington State Patrol. For more information on candle safety, visit the Office of State Fire Marshal Web site at www.wsp. wa.gov/fire/firemars or the United States Fire Administration website at www.usfa.dhs.gov.