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.