7 Unexpected Places Fire Safety Experts Say to Never Burn a Candle
It’s more dangerous than you think.
While it’s no secret that candles should be kept in safe spaces, those locations aren’t always easy to identify.
A general rule of thumb is to never burn a candle where the flame can be forgotten, knocked over, or exposed to moving air or nearby combustibles, according to the National Candle Association (NCA). “The safest location is a stable, uncluttered, heat-resistant surface where the candle remains within sight,” says John Cagle, NCA president. “Also never leave a burning candle unattended, even for a short time.”
Length of time matters, too, says Anthony Frazier Sr., deputy district chief of the Chicago Fire Department. “Don’t burn a candle longer than three to four hours at a time, unless the manufacturer’s instructions say otherwise,” says Frazier.
Consult this list of no-burn zones too.
On a windowsill
A candle should never be placed on a windowsill, especially near curtains, blinds, or an open window. Curtains and blinds are combustible, and an open window can create drafts that disturb the flame.
“Constant flickering or wisps of smoke are signs that moving air is affecting the candle, which can contribute to uneven burning, sooting, or flaring,” says Cagle. “Instead, place the candle on a stable, heat-resistant surface away from open windows, vents, fans, and strong air currents. A room can be well ventilated without putting the flame directly in a draft.”
On a bookshelf
Bookshelves are best reserved for books, picture frames, and vases, but never for burning candles.
Candles should never be placed on a bookshelf or inside a cabinet, where heat can collect and paper or wood may be too close. “If the space does not provide a clear 12-inch safety zone in every direction, choose another location,” says Cagle.
On a counter underneath a cabinet
While most household fires start in the kitchen due to cooking, burning a candle shouldn’t be another contributing factor.
To prevent this from happening, never store a burning candle on a kitchen counter underneath an upper cabinet.
On the floor or staircase
Although upscale restaurants frequently set candles on the floor or along stairways, duplicating this look at home poses significant risks.
Steer clear of lighting candles in busy areas where they risk being bumped, kicked, or knocked over.
On the edge of a tub, sink, or toilet tank
While lighting a candle may seem like a relaxing way to turn your bathroom into a spa-like oasis, it’s best to keep them out. The edges of bathtubs, sinks, and toilet tanks, are all places where it may be bumped into or exposed to water.
“Small ledges, towels, tissues, shower curtains, aerosol products, and loose clothing can all create hazards,” says Cagle.
“Water is also not a safe way to extinguish a candle; it can splatter hot wax or cause a glass container to break,” he adds.
On a cluttered nightstand
Want to sleep safely and soundly? Don’t light a candle on a nightstand that’s crowded with paper or fabric. Bedding, clothing, books, and paper can easily get too close to the flame, and there is the added danger of falling asleep.
“Never leave it burning when you leave the room or go to sleep,” says Frazier.
On or near electronics
Electrical fires account for 13% of residential fires, according to the National Fire Protection Association. However, many people don’t think about how their proximity to open flames can also be hazardous.
“Keep candles away from televisions, computers, speakers, routers, appliances, power strips, and cords,” says Cagle. “Heat and soot can affect nearby equipment, while cords, papers and plastic components may be combustible.”
“Appliances, vents, and fans can also create drafts that disturb the flame,” he adds. “Never place a candle on an appliance that may vibrate, warm up or be switched on.”
Karla Pope is a longtime writer, editor and blogger with more than two decades of editorial experience. She’s written for a variety of outlets including Good Housekeeping, Woman’s Day, Travel + Leisure, Tripadvisor, People, Parade and more. Her coverage includes travel, lifestyle, entertainment and wellness content. When she's not exploring the world with her family, you can find her curled up on the couch watching a documentary and eating gummy bears.
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