Leading Causes of Candle Fires in Modern Homes

The most common cause of candle fires is leaving a burning candle without supervision. You might step out of the room for a minute to answer the phone or check on laundry, and that is enough time for a curtain or paper to catch fire. Modern open floor plans make it easy to lose sight of a flame in another part of the house.

Always extinguish candles before leaving a room, even for a short errand. If you need a light source while you move around, use a battery-powered lamp instead. When you do burn candles, stay in the same room and keep your eyes on the flame until you blow it out.

• Blow out candles before napping or going to bed
• Use a snuffer or a spoon to extinguish safely
• Keep matches and lighters out of reach of children
• Set a timer to remind yourself to check the candle

Many candle fires start in bedrooms, where people fall asleep with a candle burning. A candle on a nightstand or dresser can be knocked over by a restless sleeper or a pet jumping on the bed. The resulting fire can damage walls, flooring, and personal belongings.

To reduce the risk, avoid burning candles in bedrooms altogether. If you want a calming scent, use a wax warmer or an essential oil diffuser instead. These devices do not have an open flame and are safer for rooms where you sleep.

• Use flameless LED candles for bedside lighting
• Place candles on stable, uncluttered surfaces
• Keep candles away from windows and vents
• Trim the wick to a quarter inch before lighting
• Never use a candle during a power outage if you are drowsy

If a candle fire happens in your home, your first step is to get everyone outside and call 911. Once the fire is out, you may face water damage from sprinklers or firefighting efforts. Water can soak into drywall, flooring, and insulation, leading to mold and structural issues if not dried quickly.

After the fire department clears the scene, contact local water damage pros to assess the extent of the water damage. They can help with extraction, drying, and repairs. If you live in Frisco, keep your insurance policy documents handy and check what your coverage includes. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered.

Even if the fire was small and contained, smoke and water can affect areas you cannot see. A professional inspection can find hidden moisture and prevent long-term problems. Acting quickly after a fire reduces the chance of mold and further damage to your home.