Did you know that 20th to 26th October 2025 is Candle Fire Safety Week? It’s the ideal time of the year to remind people about the risk of candles, especially with autumn weather, darker nights, and the approach of Halloween. We want to look at some of the best tips for using candles safely. Then, if you need help with fire protection in Redcar and other parts of Teesside, you can trust us.
Appreciate the risk
The most important thing with candle fire safety is to be aware of the risks. Having a naked flame anywhere in a property means there is a level of danger. Misusing candles or forgetting about them can lead to fires, causing a risk of injuries and death.
What to do?
There are several things you should always keep in mind when you use candles. Taking care here will reduce the risk of an incident.
Firstly, it is important to use them properly. Ensure they are stable so there is no risk of them falling over. If you have loose candles, place them in a suitable fire proof holder. Crucially, always put them on heat resistant surfaces.
Secondly, make sure you have a sufficient amount of clear space around the candles. A good rule of thumb is to leave 30cm of clearance. Don’t put them close to curtains or anything flammable.
Thirdly, always ensure you have proper safety equipment in place, including fire and smoke alarms, a fire extinguisher, and other resources. We can help various clients here, offering fire protection in Redcar and other areas. Our services include risk assessments, alarm installation, and extinguishers.
Next, always think carefully about children and pets. There can be serious accidents if they knock over candles. The best thing to do is ensure they are out of reach. Make sure you keep an eye on matches and lighters too.
Remember to put out candles and ensure you do it properly. Leaving them unattended is one of the biggest causes of fires. If you’re leaving the room, even for a short time, it is best to extinguish them. Crucially, make sure they are out completely. The best thing is to use a snuffer or spoon; it’s better than blowing them out and potentially spreading sparks.
Finally, make sure you think about flaring. A single candle might not seem like a sufficient flame to start a big fire. However, in the right conditions you only need a tiny spark. You can also have issues if you have too many lit candles close together. It can cause the flames to get uncontrollably large and unstable.
Speak to us about fire protection in Redcar
While it may not seem like it, often it is small things that lead to serious, deadly fires. This includes candles and failing to check smoke and fire alarms. It’s a wise idea to do a risk assessment of every property to make sure there are no hazards. This is especially important in HMOs, blocks of flats, offices, and other shared buildings. The owner, landlord, or managing agent has a responsibility here.
If you need advice and exceptional services, ABC Fire Safety & Security can help. We’ve got competent people and a wealth of experience about the relevant regulations and best practice guides. Whether you need risk assessments, fire door inspections, extinguisher services, or alarm systems, we can work with you. In fact, you can choose a combination of solutions to maximise safety in any property.
So, get in touch and ask us about fire protection in Redcar. We can answer questions and provide recommendations.
