Fire Prevention Week Tips on Candle Safety
Faribault Fire Chief Dusty Dienst has told us numerous times over the years he is not a fan of candles. He has gone on numerous calls where candles led to fires. People either leave the home and keep them lit or pets knock them over causing a fire.
During this Fire Prevention Week our final fire safety tip concerns candle safety. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety says :
- Choose flameless candles. Most offer the same flicker effect as real candles and come in scented varieties.
- Keep traditional candles in a sturdy container that cannot be tipped over.
- Extinguish candles before leaving the room or going to sleep.
- Use flashlights, not candles, for emergency lighting when the power goes out.
Did you know two of every five home decoration fires are started by candles?
Candles and open flames are the third leading cause of Minnesota structure fires.
Nationally, residential candle fires peak in December.