Candles Fires
Candles is uncommon in the fire count (4%) but sits mid-pack on fatality intensity (1.00x deaths per fire share).
USFA National Fire Statistics and NFPA Home Structure Fires reports supply the 4% / 4% pair shown above. Verify with USFA (FEMA) · Methodology.
Candles fires account for 4% of US residential fires, the #8 of 10 most frequent cause tracked here and 4% of fire deaths (a 1.0x fatality index). Source: USFA/NFPA national fire statistics.
- Frequency rank #8 of 10 of tracked causes
- Fatality-index rank #5 of 10 of tracked causes
- 1.0x death-to-fire ratio
- 8% of Cooking fire share
Candle fires often result from leaving candles unattended or placing them near flammable materials.
Candles Fire Prevention Tips
- ✓ Never leave a burning candle unattended
- ✓ Keep candles at least 12 inches from anything that can burn
- ✓ Extinguish candles before going to bed or leaving the room
- ✓ Consider flameless LED candles as a safer alternative
- ✓ Keep candles out of reach of children and pets
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I prevent candles fires?
Never leave a burning candle unattended Keep candles at least 12 inches from anything that can burn Extinguish candles before going to bed or leaving the room
What percentage of US fires are caused by candles?
Candles fires account for approximately 4% of residential fires in the US (#8 of 10 by frequency in this table), and 4% of fire deaths. Source: USFA national fire statistics.
How serious are candles fires?
While candles fires represent 4% of residential fires, they account for 4% of fire deaths (1.0x death-to-fire ratio), meaning they are often caught earlier or have lower fatality potential per incident.
Closest mid-band peers to Candles
Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.