Candles make winter evenings better. They are also a real flame in your home. Good candle safety is not about fear. It is a handful of habits that soon become automatic. Here are the ones UK fire services stress, and a few we have learned ourselves.
The candle safety rules that matter most
North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue says candles cause over 800 fires in UK homes every year. Their advice is simple.
- Never leave a burning candle in an empty room
- Blow candles out before you go to sleep
- Use a heat-resistant holder every time
- Keep candles away from curtains and cushions
They also warn against putting tea lights straight onto a bath, a TV or anything plastic. The thin metal case is not fully heatproof.
How far should a candle be from other things?
The National Candle Association in the US suggests at least 12 inches (about 30cm) from anything that can burn. They also suggest keeping candles at least 3 inches (about 8cm) apart.
Safe habits with scented candles
A few more habits, learned over 25 years of selling candles. The biggest risk is distraction, not the candle.
Light candles where you will be sitting. Not in a room you will walk past. If the doorbell goes, blow it out. Relighting takes two seconds.
Stop a jar candle when about 1cm of wax is left. Burning to the bottom makes the glass very hot. Trim the wick before each light, so the flame stays calm and low.
Watch the flame, too. A calm candle has a steady flame. If it is tall, flickering or smoking, something is wrong. The wick may be too long, or there may be a draught. Blow it out, let it cool, trim and try again somewhere still.
Are candles safe during a power cut?
Torches are safer. If you do use candles, choose wide, stable ones in holders. Keep everyone in one room so you can watch the flames.
Candles, children and pets
Put candles up high, out of reach of small hands and waggy tails. A mantelpiece or a high shelf works well. Avoid low coffee tables when little ones are around.
For small rooms, a single tealight in a glass holder is often all you need.
Quick answers
Is it safe to fall asleep with a candle burning?
No. Fire services are clear: always blow candles out before you sleep. Make it part of your bedtime routine, like locking the door.
How do you put out a candle safely?
Use a snuffer or blow gently. Never use water on a jar candle, because hot wax can spit and the glass can crack.
Safe habits mean you can relax and enjoy the glow. If you want to try lots of scents, the tealights in the Glow advent calendar are a cosy place to start this winter.
Related reading
- Scented Tea Lights: Why Small Candles Smell So Good: small candles, big smell, and how to keep them safe
- Three Wick Candles: The First Burn That Decides Everything: the one burn that stops tunnelling for good
- Soy vs Paraffin Candles: What the Research Actually Says: a balanced look at the wax debate
