CANDLES
The final part in our series of Top 5 Fire Causes is Candles. Candles are the fifth leading cause of home fires.
From 2015-2019 U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated 7,400 home structure fires that were started by candles per year. These fires caused an annual average of 90 deaths, 670 injuries and $291 million in direct property damage.

Candle fire facts
During the five-year period of 2015-2019:
- Candles caused 2% of reported home fires, 3% of home fire deaths, 6% of home fire injuries, and 4% of the direct property damage in home
fires.
- Roughly one-third (37%) of home candle fires started in bedrooms. These fires caused 35% of the associated deaths and 47% of the
associated injuries.
- Falling asleep was a factor in 10% percent of the home candle fires and 12% of the associated deaths.
- On average, 20 home candle fires were reported per day.
- Three of every five (60%) of home candle fires occurred when some form of combustible material was left or came too close to the candle.
- Candle fires peak in December and January with 11 percent of candles fires in each of these months.

Please check out the attached PDF for tips on candle safety.