Community Corner

Community Notice: Careful With Those Candles

Fire Marshal Fred Baker offers tips for playing it safe as candles are brought out for the holiday season.

As the holidays approach we all start thinking about decorating our homes for festive times and candles are usually a big part of these decorations. Candles add a warm welcoming feel to any occasion but, if not used safely they can ruin the most festive occasions. The following is a few safety tips to help remain safe for the holidays:

  • Keep canldes clear of other combustible decorations such as evergreens or other decorations.
  • Make sure they are out of reach of children and pets.
  • Always place them on or in non-combustible bases.
  • Ensure there is nothing directly over candles.
  • Trim candle wicks to one-quarter inch each time before burning. Long or crooked wicks cause uneven burning and dripping.
  • Always keep a burning candle within sight. Extinguish all candles when leaving a room or before going to sleep.
  • Keep burning candles away from drafts, vents, ceiling fans or other air currents.
  • Make sure smoke detectors are properly operating.


For further fire safety questions please contact the New Canaan Fire Marshal’s Office at 594-3030.


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