Candles create a warm, inviting atmosphere in any home, but they also come with real fire risks that every candle enthusiast needs to understand. According to Fire and Rescue NSW, candles cause hundreds of house fires across Australia each year, many of which could have been prevented with proper safety practices. This comprehensive guide will help you enjoy your candles safely while protecting your home and family.
The Golden Rules of Candle Safety
Before we dive into specific tips, there are three fundamental rules that should never be forgotten when burning candles:
The Three Golden Rules
- Never leave a burning candle unattended. Always extinguish candles before leaving a room or going to sleep.
- Keep candles away from anything flammable. Maintain at least 30cm clearance from curtains, books, papers, and decorations.
- Place candles out of reach of children and pets. Curious hands and wagging tails can easily knock over a burning candle.
Choosing a Safe Location
Where you place your candle is just as important as how you burn it. The ideal location for a burning candle should be:
- Stable and level: Use a flat, heat-resistant surface that won't wobble or tip. Avoid placing candles on uneven surfaces or near edges where they could be knocked off.
- Away from draughts: Air currents from windows, fans, air conditioning vents, and high-traffic areas can cause uneven burning, flaring, and potentially dangerous flame behaviour.
- Well-ventilated: While avoiding draughts, ensure the room has adequate ventilation to prevent excessive soot build-up in the air.
- Away from flammable materials: Keep a minimum of 30 centimetres between your candle and any curtains, furniture, bedding, books, or decorative items.
Safe Burning Practices
Trim Your Wick Before Every Use
One of the most overlooked safety practices is wick trimming. Before lighting your candle, trim the wick to approximately 5-6 millimetres. A wick that's too long will create a larger flame, produce excess smoke and soot, and can cause the flame to flicker unpredictably. Use scissors, nail clippers, or a dedicated wick trimmer for best results.
Monitor Burn Time
Never burn a candle for more than four hours at a time. Extended burning causes the wick to develop a "mushroom" shape at the tip, which leads to unstable flames and excessive soot. After four hours, extinguish the candle, let it cool completely, trim the wick, and then you can relight it if desired.
Key Takeaway
The four-hour rule isn't just about safety—it also helps your candle burn more evenly and last longer. Consider setting a timer when you light your candles.
Know When to Stop Burning
Stop burning your candle when approximately 1 centimetre of wax remains at the bottom. Burning a candle to the very end can cause the container to overheat, potentially cracking glass jars or scorching surfaces beneath the candle.
Proper Extinguishing Techniques
How you put out your candle matters for both safety and preserving the candle for future use:
- Use a snuffer: A candle snuffer is the safest way to extinguish a flame without splattering hot wax or creating smoke.
- Avoid blowing: Blowing out a candle can spray hot wax and create lingering smoke. If you must blow, do so gently and from a distance.
- Never use water: Water can cause hot wax to splatter and may crack a hot glass container.
- Ensure complete extinguishment: Make sure the wick ember is completely out and no longer glowing before leaving the candle unattended.
Special Considerations for Australian Homes
Living in Australia presents some unique considerations for candle safety:
Summer Heat
Australian summers can be extremely hot, and candles left in direct sunlight or hot rooms may soften or melt even when not lit. Store candles in cool, dark places during summer months, and be aware that wax may become softer and more prone to issues in hot weather.
Bushfire Season
During bushfire season, be extra cautious with any open flame. If there's a fire danger warning in your area, consider using flameless LED candles instead. Never use candles outdoors during Total Fire Ban days.
Insects and Wildlife
Flying insects attracted to candlelight can become a hazard if they fly into the flame. Use candles with broader vessels or consider using candle covers that allow the fragrance to disperse while protecting the flame.
Creating a Safe Candle Routine
Developing consistent habits will help keep your home safe:
- Check your candles before leaving: Make it a habit to walk through your home and confirm all candles are extinguished before bed or leaving the house.
- Keep matches and lighters secure: Store lighting materials out of children's reach.
- Have a fire extinguisher accessible: Know where your fire extinguisher is and how to use it. A small household fire extinguisher can prevent a minor incident from becoming a disaster.
- Maintain working smoke alarms: Test your smoke alarms monthly and replace batteries annually. This applies to all fire safety, but is especially relevant if you frequently burn candles.
Emergency Preparedness
In case of a candle-related fire that you cannot immediately extinguish safely, leave the area, close the door behind you, evacuate everyone from the home, and call 000. Never attempt to fight a fire that's growing or spreading.
Signs Your Candle May Be Unsafe
Replace or discontinue using a candle if you notice:
- The flame is consistently taller than 3 centimetres
- The flame flickers excessively despite being away from draughts
- Visible cracks in the container
- The wick has shifted off-centre and is burning against the container wall
- Excessive soot forming on the container or nearby surfaces
- Unusual popping or sputtering sounds
Conclusion
Candles can be enjoyed safely in any Australian home when proper precautions are followed. By choosing safe locations, practising good burning habits, and staying vigilant, you can enjoy the warmth and fragrance of your favourite candles without worry. Remember: a moment of carelessness can lead to serious consequences, so always treat open flames with the respect they deserve.
For more information on fire safety in your home, visit your local fire service website or the Fire and Rescue NSW website for comprehensive resources.