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.
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