The National Fire Protection Association is urging the public to focus on candle safety during Fire Prevention Week 2005, scheduled for Oct. 9-15. NFPA emphasizes consumer caution with the slogan, “When you go out, blow out.”
Reported home candle fires rose 15 percent from 2000 to 2001, from 15,700 to 18,000, continuing a climb that began in 1990 when 5,500 candle fires were reported, according to NFPA. These fires caused an estimated 130 fire deaths, 1,350 civilian fire injuries, and $333 million in direct property damage during 2002.
Such fires follow a seasonal pattern, with December's having almost twice the number of home candle fires of an average month. Nearly one-quarter of fatal home candle fires occurred in properties in which the power had been shut off. Seven percent occurred during temporary power outages. Half of those who died in fires started by candles were under the age of 20, NFPA noted.
A large number of home candle fires (41 percent) start in bedrooms, resulting in a quarter of associated fire deaths. Falling asleep when a candle was lit was a factor in 12 percent of the home candle fires and 25 percent of the fatalities.
Leaving candles unattended and using candles for light were singled out in NFPA's analysis as serious fire problems. NFPA warns that candles should never be left unattended, and, in the event of a power outage, it is safer to use flashlights or other light sources generated by batteries.
For 83 years, NFPA has addressed public fire safety outreach by serving as the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week. The annual public awareness and safety commemoration is observed by fire departments in the United States and Canada to mark the anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871.
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