The popularity of candles has grown dramatically in recent years with U.S. consumer candle retail sales over $2 billion annually, not including candle accessories.People have safely enjoyed using candles for centuries. Their colors and scents enhance everyday life and evoke memories of special events. Candles are a source of light and delight when used properly and according to manufacturers’ directions.However, if certain precautions are not taken by the consumer, candles can also become a factor in a chain of events that can result in unnecessary injury and even death.According to the National Fire Protection Agency, candle fires account for 2.4 of all fires and result in 6 of total injuries from fires and 3 of all fatalities from fires. Due to the significant increased usage of candles, these figures have been increasing. Candles, of course, still rank far behind cigarettes, matches and lighters as the product of ignition in residential fires.The National Fire Incident Reporting System NFIRS reports candle fire incidents occur most often in the bedroom 45.2, then in the family room 17.5 and the bathroom 11.2. The kitchen accounts for 6.3 of candle fire incidents. NFIRS also reports that the materials most often ignited by candles are cabinetry 9.4; bedding blankets, sheets, comforters, etc. 7.7; curtains and drapery 7.2; mattresses & pillows 5.5.The most startling statistic from NFIRS is the fact that nearly 85 of the candle fire incidents were started because of consumer misuse of the product. Following are some of the categories of ignition factors cited by NFIRS:

Website: http://www.candle-safety.org/index.html