Fire Safety Advice - Candles

  • Never leave a candle unattended and remember to extinguish it before you go to sleep.
  • Make sure the candle is standing up straight and is fixed firmly in a proper holder so that it can't fall over. Scented candles turn to liquid in order to release their fragrance, so always burn them in a suitable glass or metal container that can withstand the heat of the liquid and that the liquid cannot lead from.
  • Always place candles on a heat-resistant surface. Night lights and tea lights can meil plastic surfaces, such as the top of a TV and the side of a bath tub.
  • Keep candles out of draughts, blowing curtains and sources of heat or direct sunlight.
  • Always leave at least 10cm (4 inches) between tow candles and never place them under shelves or other surfaces.
  • Extinguish the candle before it burns into the holder.
  • Burn all candles well out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Always put candles out before you move them. Using a "snuffer" or a spoon is safer than blowing them out, which can send sparks and hot wax flying.
  • Consider an extra smoke alarm in the rooms that candles are burnt in.
  • Outdoor candles should never be used indoors.  
  • Don't lean across a candle - you could set your hair or clothes on fire.
  • Don't play with candles for example, by putting matchsticks or anything else into the hot wax.

 Remember, if things get out of control call Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service immediately by dialling 999.