From 2014-2018, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated 7,610 home structure fires that were started by candles per year. These fires caused an annual average of 81 deaths, 677 injuries and $278 million in direct property damage.

Sample social media posts on candle fire safety

Use these posts on your social media sites to encourage candle safety.

On average, 21 home candle fires are reported each day. Stay safe: http://ow.ly/XR6vj #FireFacts

Christmas is the peak day for candle fires. http://ow.ly/XR6vj #FireFacts

Safety tip: Keep candles at least 12 inches from anything that can burn. http://ow.ly/XR8DP

Read all of NFPA's candle safety tips & download our free safety tip sheet: http://ow.ly/fDDS305wunP

In this video, tips on staying safe with candles in your home are reviewed. Check it out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xOyMBJ-b44

Think about using flameless candles in your home. They look and smell like real candles! http://ow.ly/XR9E4

Safety tip: Blow out all candles before you leave a room or go to bed! http://ow.ly/XR9E4

Lit candles are used in religious services, places of worship & at home. Tips on staying safe with religious candles: http://ow.ly/XR9E4



Remember that a candle is an open flame, which means that it can easily ignite anything that can burn. NFPA shares a few candle fire safety tips to consider.

Candle fire facts

During the five-year period of 2014-2018:

Candles caused 2% of reported home fires, 3% of home fire deaths, 6% 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 40% of the associated deaths and 49% of the associated injuries.

Falling asleep was a factor in 10% percent of the home candle fires and 15% of the associated deaths.

On average, 21 home candle fires were reported per day.

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

December is the peak time of year for home candle fires. In December, 12% of home candle fires began with decorations compared to 4% the rest of the year.

Source: NFPA's Home Candle Fires report