Public Education

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.

• Keep lit candles at least 12 inches from anything that can burn.
• Don't use lit candles in bedrooms, bathrooms and sleeping areas.
• When you use candles, place them in a sturdy, safe candle holder that will not burn or tip over.
• Use flashlights, not candles if you have a power outage.

Cooking was the leading cause of reported home fires and home fire injuries in 2015-2019 and the second leading cause of home fire deaths. Cooking caused 49 percent of reported home fires, 20 percent of reported home fire deaths, and 42 percent of home fire injuries.

• Keep an eye on your cooking and stay in the kitchen.
• Wear short or close-fitting sleeves. Loose clothing can catch fire.
• Watch children closely. When old enough, teach children to cook safely.
• Clean cooking surfaces to prevent food and grease build-up.
• Keep curtains, towels and pot holders away from hot surfaces and store solvents and flammable cleaners away from heat sources.
• Turn pan handles inward to prevent food spills.

Smoking materials, including cigarettes, pipes, and cigars, started an estimated 17,200 home structure fires reported to U.S. fire departments in 2014. These fires caused 570 deaths, 1,140 injuries and $426 million in direct property damage. Smoking materials caused 5% of reported home fires, 21% of home fire deaths, 10% of home fire injuries, and 6% of the direct property damage.

• Smoke outside.
• Put cigarettes out all the way. Do this every time.
• Be alert. Do not smoke after taking medicine that makes you tired.
• Never smoke around medical oxygen.
• Never smoke in bed.
• Put your cigarette out in an ashtray or bucket with sand.