Fire department offers candle saftey tips Published April 3, 2007 By 52nd Civil Engineer Squadron Fire Prevention Office SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, GERMANY -- -- While candles make great decorations, provide fragrance and softly illuminate the house, they can also be very dangerous. In recent years candles in U.S. homes caused an estimated 17,200 fires, 200 deaths, 1,540 injuries and $200 million in estimated property damage. Thirty-eight percent of home candle fires started in the bedroom, resulting in 35 percent of the associated deaths. More than half of home candle fires occurred when some form of combustible material was left or came too close to the candle, 20 percent were left unattended or abandoned and 4 percent were started by people, usually children, playing with candles. Additionally, falling asleep was a factor in 12 percent of home candle fires resulting in a quarter of the associated deaths. In accordance with the Spangdahlem Air Base Instruction 32-2001, candle use in dormitories and other facilities is strictly forbidden. Unused candles may be displayed for decorative purposes only. Candles are only authorized in military family housing and where necessary for ceremonial and religious purposes. They may be placed on tables used for food service if securely supported on substantial noncombustible bases, placed in a location to avoid danger of ignition of combustible materials and protected at all times and coordinated through the fire department. The Spangdahlem Air Base Fire and Emergency Services Flight offers these safety tips to help avoid homes fires caused by candles from occurring in the home. - Extinguish all candles when leaving the room or going to sleep - Keep candles at least 1 foot away from things that can catch fire, such as clothing, books, and curtains - Use candle holders that are sturdy, will not tip over easily, are made from a material that cannot burn and are large enough to collect dripping wax - Keep candles and all open flames away from flammable liquids - Keep candle wicks trimmed to one-quarter inch and extinguish taper and pillar candles when they get to within two inches of the holder - During power outages, avoid carrying a lit candle. Use flashlights. - Keep candles out of reach of children. Teach children candles are not to be played with For more information, call the Fire Prevention Office at 452-5292.