Always 

  • Use candles in a suitable holder on a stable, heat-resistant surface.
  • Keep candles out of reach of children and pets.
  • Keep candles away from curtains, bedding, furniture, books and other 
    combustible materials.
  • Extinguish candles before leaving the room, going to bed or leaving home.
  • Keep candles away from draughts and open windows.
    Trim the wick before lighting and follow the manufacturer's instructions.
  • Take extra care during festivals, celebrations, and religious events, and keep
    candles away from loose clothing, costumes and decorations.

Never 

  • Leave a lit candle unattended.
  • Place candles under shelves, in enclosed spaces, or on plastic or acrylic surfaces, including the side of a bath. 
  • Burn candles too close together. Leave at least 10cm between burning candles.
  • Move a lit candle. Extinguish it first if you need to relocate it.
  • Use candles when alcohol, drugs or medication could impair your judgement.
  • Lean across a lit candle. You could set your clothes on fire.

Incense, oil burners and other fragrance products

Incense, oil burners and other products that use a flame, hot charcoal, burning embers or heated fragrance materials are often used to add fragrance to the home or as part of cultural, religious and spiritual practices. Like candles, they can cause a fire if not used safely.
 

Always 

  • Use a suitable holder or burner designed for the product being used.
  • Place it on a stable, heat-resistant surface.
  • Keep it away from curtains, furniture, bedding and other combustible materials.
  • Follow the manufacturer's instructions. 
  • Ensure it is fully extinguished before leaving the room, going to bed or leaving home.

Never 

  • Leave it unattended.
  • Use it beneath shelves or in enclosed spaces.
  • Place it near combustible materials.
  • Leave children or pets alone with it while it is burning or still hot.
  • Move it while it is lit or still hot.

The image shows damage following a fire caused by an incense stick.
The image shows damage following a fire caused by an incense stick.

Lighting candles and other products safely

  • Use a long-handled lighter where possible to keep hands away from the flame.
  • Consider using a rechargeable no-flame lighter, which uses an electric arc rather than a traditional flame – be sure to charge these safely. 
  • If using matches, ensure they are fully extinguished before disposal.
  • Never leave used matches in hot wax, ash or other combustible materials.
  • Keep matches and lighters out of reach of children.
     

Safer alternatives

Battery-powered and LED candles and lanterns can provide the same warm glow and atmosphere as traditional candles without the risks associated with an open flame.

If you enjoy home fragrances, consider using:

  • Reed diffusers.
  • Electric diffusers
  • Air fresheners.
  • Other flameless fragrance products.

What If a Fire Starts?

Even when taking care, fires can still happen.
If a fire starts in your home:

  • Get everyone out immediately.
  • Stay out.
  • Do not attempt to tackle the fire yourself.
  • Call 999 and ask for the Fire Service.

Get Out, Stay Out, Call 999.

If your clothing catches fire: 

  • Stop moving. 
  • Drop to the ground or floor. 
  • Roll to put the fire out.

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