Candles |
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Remember: A candle is an open flame. It can easily ignite any flammable items nearby.
The South Australian Metropolitan Fire Service (MFS) offers the following tips for the safe use of candles:
- Candles should only ever be used by adults.
- Make sure candles are placed in sturdy holders that will not tip over and place on a secure piece of heat-resistant furniture. Candle holders must be made of material that can not burn.
- Extinguish all candles when leaving a room or going to sleep.
- Keep the immediate area around a candle clear of all items. They should be kept well away from items that can catch fire, such as clothing, books, paper, curtains, Christmas trees and flammable decorations etc.
- Do not place lit candles in windows, where blinds or curtains can close over them.
- Keep candles and all open flames away from flammable liquids.
- Do not use candles in places where they can be knocked over by children or pets.
- Battery operated candles are a good and safe alternative to traditional candles.
Where Young Children are Present:
- Keep candles up high, out of reach of children.
- Never leave a child unattended in a room with a lit candle. A child should not sleep in a room with a lit candle.
- Keep all matches and lighters up high, out of the sight and reach of children, and preferably in a locked cabinet.
During Power Outages:
- Torches/flashlights and other lights generated by batteries are much safer light sources than candles.
- Wind up torches are available.
- Try to avoid carrying a lit candle.
- Don’t use a candle to go into confined spaces like a walk-in robe.
- Never use a candle for light when fuelling equipment, such as a kerosene heater or lantern as the flame may ignite the fumes.
Incense Sticks:
- Use incense stick trays to ensure that falling ash does not come into contact with flammable items.
- Keep burning incense sticks away from curtains and blinds.
- Do not leave incense sticks burning when you are asleep or out of the house.
- Keep burning incense sticks away from children and pets.
- Keep matches and lighters out of reach of children.
Download a PDF English version of this Home Fire Safety Fact Sheet (PDF 396KB)
For further advice ring the Community Safety Department 8204 3611
Country callers 1300 737 637
e-mail samfscommunitysafety@sa.gov.au
or call in to 99 Wakefield Street, Adelaide during business hours.