MEDIA ADVISORY

CONTACT:        HONOLULU FIRE DEPARTMENT                  DATE:  NOVEMBER 30, 2006

                        PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER                                                          

                        FIRE CAPTAIN KENISON L. TEJADA

(ktejada@co.honolulu.hi.us)

PHONE: 723-7117   PAGER: 540-6807

                        CELL: 478-7704

RELEASE:        IMMEDIATE

HONOLULU FIRE DEPARTMENT’S HOLIDAY CANDLE SAFETY AWARENESS

Fire Chief Kenneth G. Silva offers the following candle safety tips for a safe and happy holiday season:

According to the National Fire Protection Association, candle fires are more common around the holidays because more people use them as part of their holiday decorations.  Also:

• During 2002, an estimated 18,000 home fires started by candles were reported to public fire departments.  These fires resulted in an estimated 130 civilian deaths, 1,350 civilian injuries, and an estimated direct property loss of $333 million.  Homes include one- and two-family dwellings, apartments, and manufactured housing.
• The estimated number of home candle fires was unchanged from 2001 to 2002.  For the first time since 1991, the number of home candle fires has stabilized rather than increased.
• Candle fires accounted for an estimated 5% of all reported home fires.
• Two-fifths (40%) of the home candle fires started in the bedroom, resulting in 30% of the associated civilian deaths.
• Reported home candle fires have more than tripled since the low of 5,500 in 1990.
• December had almost twice the number of home candle fires of an average month.
• Half of home candle fires occurred when some form of combustible material was left or came too close to the candle; 18 percent occurred after candles were left unattended, abandoned, or inadequately controlled; 5 percent were started by people (usually children) playing with the candle.
• Falling asleep was a factor in 12% of home candle fires and 25% of the home candle fire deaths.
• Christmas Day was the peak day of the year for home candle fires in 1999-2002.  New Year's Day and Christmas Eve tied for second.

Source: National estimates based on NFIRS and NFPA survey

Safety Tips:

·                    Use candles only in rooms where there is a responsible adult awake to control and oversee the flame. Always stay in the room where candles are being burned

·                    A child should not sleep in a room with a lit candle.  Do not allow children and teens to have candles in their bedrooms.

·                    Extinguish all candles when leaving the room or going to sleep.

·                    Keep candles up high and out of reach of children.

·                    Keep candles away from items that may catch on fire, such as clothing, books, papers, Christmas trees, decorations, window blinds, and curtains.

·                    Never put candles in windows or near doorways where drafts could bring flammable materials in contact with the open flame.

·                    Never use candles on a Christmas tree or other evergreens. 

·                    Keep candles away from high-traffic locations where they can be easily knocked over, including any area accessible to children or pets.

·                    Place candles on stable surfaces in sturdy holders that grip the candle securely and will not tip over.  Be sure the holder cannot burn and is large enough to collect dripping wax.

·                    Keep candle wicks trimmed to one-quarter inch and extinguish taper and pillar candles when they burn to within two inches of the holder.  Votive and container candles should be extinguished before the last half-inch of wax begins to melt.

·                    Discard taper and pillar candles when they get within two inches of the holder or decorative material.  Discard votive and filled candles before the last half-inch of wax starts to melt.

·                    Avoid candles with combustible items embedded in them.

·                    Use extreme caution if you must carry a lit candle.  Hold it well away from clothing and any combustibles that may be near your pathway, and avoid loose, flowing clothing that is not flame-resistant. Do not use a lit candle when searching for items in a confined space. 

·                    Candles produce carbon monoxide as part of the combustion process.  Use them in open and well-ventilated areas.

·                    Avoid using candles for light sources during power outages. 

From all the members of the Honolulu Fire Department, have a safe and happy holiday season!

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