Weekly SBC Fire PSA

The Santa Barbara County Fire Department urges people to be careful when burning candles, and to follow these basic safety tips:

• Extinguish all candles when leaving a room or before going to sleep.

• Keep burning candles at least 12 inches away from furniture, drapes, bedding, carpets,

books, paper, flammable decorations, etc.

• Keep candles out of the reach of children and pets.

• Always use a sturdy candleholder specifically designed for candle use.

• Be sure the candleholder is placed on a stable, heat-resistant surface.

• Always burn candles in a well-ventilated room.

• Don’t burn a candle all the way down. Extinguish the flame if it comes too close to the

holder or container.

• Never touch or move a burning candle.

• Place burning candles at least three inches apart from one another.

• Use a candle snuffer to extinguish a candle. It’s the safest way to prevent hot wax from

splattering.

• Be very careful if using candles during a power outage. Flashlights and other batterypowered

lights are safer sources of light during a power failure.

• Make sure a candle is completely extinguished and the wick ember is no longer glowing

before leaving the room.

• Never use a candle as a night light.

Most fires involving candles are due to people’s inattention to basic fire safety or the misuse of

candles. The Santa Barbara County Fire Department reminds people that a candle is an open flame

that can easily ignite anything that can burn.