BYC Blog | Keeping the Flame Safe: Candle Care During Wildfire Events (and Always)

Los Angeles is currently facing wildfires, a stark reminder of the power and potential danger of uncontrolled flames. While we hope these fires are contained quickly and stay far from our homes, it underscores the importance of fire safety in all aspects of our lives, including how we enjoy candles.

At Be You Candles, creating a cozy and comforting atmosphere is our passion, but safety is always our top priority. So, let's discuss responsible candle use, especially given the current situation in our community.

The Importance of Fire Safety, Especially During Fire Events:

The wildfires impacting Los Angeles highlight how quickly fire can spread and the importance of prevention. Even within our own homes, seemingly small actions can contribute to fire safety.

While candles are a relatively small potential hazard compared to a large-scale wildfire, practicing safe habits year-round contributes to a culture of fire awareness and helps prevent accidental house fires, which can be even more devastating during times of heightened fire danger.

Candle Safety 101: Essential Practices:

These tips are crucial for safe candle burning at any time:

• Never leave a burning candle unattended: This is the most critical rule. Always extinguish the flame before leaving a room, going to sleep, or leaving your home.
• Keep candles away from flammable materials: This includes curtains, bedding, furniture, paper, books, decorations, and anything else that could easily ignite. Maintain a clear 12-inch radius (or more) around your burning candle.
• Use a sturdy candle holder: Choose a holder that's heat-resistant, non-flammable, and won't tip over easily. Place it on a stable, level surface away from drafts, foot traffic, and the edges of furniture.
• Trim the wick to ¼ inch before each burn: This is essential for a clean and even burn. A long wick can cause soot, excessive flickering, and a larger flame, increasing the risk of fire. Use wick trimmers for the best results.
• Burn candles in a well-ventilated room: Proper ventilation helps prevent the buildup of soot and other pollutants. However, avoid placing candles near open windows or drafts, as this can cause the flame to flicker and potentially ignite nearby materials, especially during windy conditions that can accompany fire events.
• Never burn a candle completely down: Stop burning a candle when there is ½ inch of wax remaining in the container. Burning it down completely can overheat the container and potentially cause it to break or ignite nearby surfaces.
• Use a candle snuffer to extinguish the flame: Blowing out a candle can cause hot wax to splatter, potentially causing burns or igniting nearby materials. A snuffer is a much safer and cleaner option.
• Keep candles out of reach of children and pets: This is absolutely essential to prevent accidental burns or other injuries. Never leave burning candles where children or pets can reach them.

Connecting Candle Safety to Community Fire Awareness:

The current fires in Los Angeles serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of fire safety on all levels. By being extra diligent with candle safety in our homes, we contribute to a broader awareness of fire hazards and the need for prevention. It's about fostering a community-wide commitment to safety.

Beyond the Basics: Being a Responsible Member of the Community:

Even if you live far from the current fires, practicing good fire safety habits is a way to show solidarity and support for those affected. It reinforces the importance of fire prevention for everyone.

Want to learn more about candles, from their history to important safety tips? We encourage you to check out the National Candle Association! They're a fantastic resource for all things candles, offering valuable information and guidance to help you enjoy your candles safely and responsibly. Head over to their website to explore:  National Candle Association

At Be You Candles, we believe in creating a relaxing and inviting atmosphere, but safety always comes first. By following these simple but essential tips, you can enjoy the warm glow and comforting scents of candles with complete peace of mind, while also contributing to a safer community. 

Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by the wildfires. 

What other fire safety tips do you follow? Share them in the comments below!

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