Hallowe’en, bonfire night, Diwali, Hannukah and Christmas are made all the more magical when candles are involved – but, despite their beauty and romance, sadly they are responsible for around 300 rather less magical casualties a year across the UK.
So, during Candle Fire Safety Week, we’re reminding candle lovers such as students living in halls of residence and occupants of high-rise apartment blocks to take care when using them to add atmosphere to a special occasion.
The safety week is one of many run throughout the year by the National Fire Chiefs Council with the aim of highlighting fire dangers and preventing blazes which can cause devastating loss of life and property.
Alarmingly, around a third of all fires started by candles attended by fire and rescue services result in a death or injury, says the NFCC.
Obsequio group companies CDS, APS Security and Fire, Drax360 and Brunel Fire and Security have decades of experience in fire prevention and detection, working with student accommodation providers, residential complexes, social housing developments and commercial enterprises.
Obsequio group CEO Simon Abley said: “Our mission is to protect life and property and ensure property owners comply with fire safety legislation. We have extensive expertise and innovative technical solutions to protect complex sites spread over wide geographical areas.
“Every year we see examples of fires started in the smallest way and detected and extinguished rapidly thanks to our fire safety systems.
“In student accommodation, for example, we could see a candle placed on a windowsill setting fire to the curtains, or wobbling over and igniting a carpet while the occupant nips to the kitchen. A tiny flame, while initially romantic, can turn an occasion into an evening to remember in the wrong way.
“We don’t want to be killjoys – but do urge people to follow the advice offered below by the NFCC.”
Between them CDS, APS, Drax 360 and Brunel design, supply, install and maintain complex fire safety detection systems in some of the UK’s best-known organisations.
Find out how we can help you protect your people and property and remain compliant here:
NFCC candle safety tips
• Never leave lit candles unattended. Put burning candles out when you leave the room, and make sure they’re out completely at night.
• Place your candles carefully. Make sure they are on a stable surface, out of the reach of pets and children, and keep them away from flammable objects like curtains, furniture, bedding and books.
• Don’t move candles once they are lit.
• Do not burn several candles close together as this might cause the flame to flare
• Burn candles in a well-ventilated room, out of drafts, vents or air currents.
• Always put scented candles in a heat resistant holder.
• Fit smoke alarms and test them now and monthly.
• Practise your escape route.
