Candle Fires Drop to Lowest Level in Decade

WASHINGTON, Dec. 4, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Candle Association (NCA) today said new national fire data showed candle fires dropping by nearly 50 percent between 2001 and 2010, attributing the dramatic decline to the industry's safety standards and consumer education efforts.  NCA is the industry association for major U.S. candle manufacturers and their suppliers.

According to a Home Candle Fires report just issued by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), there were approximately 9,600 accidental candle fires in 2010, the latest year for which figures are available, compared to a peak of 18,900 in 2001.   The statistics are based on data reported by the federal government's National Fire Incidence Reporting System and NFPA's survey of fire departments.

"We are extremely pleased that candle fires are continuing to drop," said NCA executive vice president Carol Freysinger.  "We believe there's no question that the industry's safety standards and educational campaign have been pivotal in reducing candle fires."

Freysinger said NCA initiated its consumer candle fire-safety education campaign in the late 1990s, when the dramatic rise in the popularity of candles also saw an increase in residential candle fires.  NCA also began working with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and the ASTM International standards organization to develop industry standards that could reduce the number of accidental candle fires.

The first industry safety standard, effective in 2000, called for labeling all candles with three key fire-safety precautions:  never leave a burning candle unattended, avoid placing candles on or near combustible items, and keep candles away from children and pets. There are now also industry standards to enhance the fire-safety design of candles, glass containers, candleholders and candle accessories.

"Americans love candles, but sometimes they forget they're open flames and the importance of following fire-safety precautions," said Freysinger. "The NCA and its member companies are committed to candle safety and making sure consumers remember to burn candles safely."  For more information about candle safety, visit http://www.candles.org/safety_candles.html

The National Candle Association (NCA) is the industry association of major U.S. candle manufacturers and their suppliers. Its members are dedicated to the candle quality, safety and science. The NCA is widely recognized as the world's leading technical authority on candles and candle manufacturing.

SOURCE National Candle Association