top of page

Candle Fire Safety

Before burning any of our products, you must acknowledge the fire safety information to ensure a safe burning experience:​

 

At Ethereal Candle Company, we prioritise safety by adhering to EN 15493:2019 standards, ensuring our candles meet the EN Standard for Fire Safety in compliance with the UK General Product Safety Regulations.

​

Product Fire Safety Testing Results (PASS): 
Ethereal Candle: Sleepy Lavender 

Ethereal Candle: Calming Chamomile

​

If the product is received damaged from amazon delivery, please do NOT use the candle and request a refund through amazon to avoid fire risk, amazon will reimburse you. We do not deal personally with the sales logistics of our products, amazon is responsible. 

​

1. Placement Matters

  • Flat, Stable Surface: Always place candles on a sturdy, heat-resistant surface to prevent tipping.

  • Keep Away from Flammable Materials: Ensure the candle is at least 12 inches away from curtains, bedding, furniture, paper, and other flammable objects.

  • Avoid Drafts: Keep candles away from vents, open windows, or fans, as a strong breeze can spread the flame or knock the candle over.

  • Do not place the lid back onto the candles until it's cooled back to room temperature. 

  • Do not use the lid to extinguish the candle flame. 

​

2. Supervise Burning Candles

  • Never Leave Unattended: Always stay in the room while a candle is burning. Extinguish the flame if you leave, even for a short time.

  • Keep Out of Reach: Ensure candles are out of reach of children and pets, who may accidentally knock them over.

  • Ensure children do not have access to candles, especially when unattended.

  • Do not burn candles while children are present in the room. 

  • Do not fall asleep while a candle is burning 

  • Don’t Burn to the End: Leave at least 1/2 inch of wax in containers or 2 inches for pillar candles to avoid overheating the base.

​

3. Proper Lighting and Extinguishing Techniques

  • Use Long Matches or a Lighter: To avoid burning your fingers, especially for candles in deep containers or jars.

  • Extinguish Safely: Use a snuffer to extinguish the flame, as blowing it out can cause wax to splatter.

  • Double-Check After Extinguishing: Ensure the wick has stopped glowing before leaving the room.

  • Avoid burning two candles closely together. 

​

4. Maintain Your Candle

  • Trim the Wick: Keep the wick trimmed to about 1/4 inch before each use to prevent uneven burning, dripping, and excessive flaring.

  • Monitor Burn Time: Avoid burning candles for more than 4 hours at a time. Long burning periods can cause the container to overheat or crack.

  • Use Proper Holders: Choose candle holders designed for the size and type of candle you are using.

  • Store the candle in a dry and cool location, away from children.

​

5. Consider Safe Candle Alternatives - especially if you have children or elderly present

  • LED Flameless Candles: Provide the ambiance of a real flame without the fire risk.

  • Wax Warmers: Heat wax melts without an open flame, making them safer for extended use.

  • Incense burner: creates an aromatic experience without the risk of an open flame 

​

6. Handle Candle Wax Safely

  • Prevent Hot Wax Spills: Avoid moving a candle while the wax is still liquid.

  • Dispose of Safely: Let melted wax harden before disposing of it in the trash.

​

7. Emergency Preparedness

  • Keep Fire Extinguishers Handy: Especially near areas where you frequently burn candles.

  • Install Smoke Detectors: Ensure they’re functional and placed in key areas of your home.

  • Know What to Do: In case of a fire, smother the flame with a damp cloth or apply water. 

​

8. Special Considerations for Scented Candles

  • Use in Ventilated Areas: Scented candles may irritate respiratory conditions if used in closed spaces.

  • Avoid Overcrowding: Burn one candle at a time in small rooms to reduce fire risks and odours.

​

  • 9. Use Appropriate Candle Sizes and Types

  • Match the Candle to the Space: Avoid using large, heavily scented candles in small, poorly ventilated rooms.

  • Outdoor-Only Candles: For citronella or other outdoor-use candles, ensure they are used only outside and placed in wind-resistant holders.

 

​10. Storage of Candles

  • Keep Away from Heat: Store candles in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight or heat sources, to prevent warping or melting.

  • Keep Unused Candles Covered: Use lids or store them in sealed containers to avoid dust accumulation, which can become a fire hazard.

 

​11. Avoid Using Candles as Nightlights

  • Do Not Sleep with a Candle Burning: Extinguish all candles before going to bed to prevent accidents during the night.

  • Do Not use a candle as a source of light, making you dependant on the fire light to see. 

​

12. Be Aware of Candle Container Risks

  • Inspect for Cracks or Damage: Only use containers designed for candle use, as some glass or ceramic holders can shatter under heat.

  • Avoid Non-Candle Containers: Do not burn candles in jars, tins, or containers not explicitly made for candles.

​

13. Seasonal and Decorative Candle Precautions

  • Holiday Décor Safety: Do not place candles near Christmas trees, wreaths, or seasonal decorations.

  • Avoid Overcrowded Centrepieces: Candles surrounded by flowers, greenery, or decorations can become a fire hazard.

​

14. Educate Users on Warning Signs

  • High or Flickering Flame: Indicates the wick may need trimming.

  • Excessive Smoke: A sign the candle is in a draft location or burning improperly.

​

15. Dispose of Candles Responsibly

  • Check for Residual Heat: Allow the holder to cool completely before handling or disposing of it.

  • Do not tip melted wax down the sink, it will cause blockages.

​

16. Use Candle Accessories we recommend you use with our products 

  • Wick Dippers and Snuffers: Help extinguish flames safely without wax splatter.

  • Heat-Resistant Pads: Protect surfaces from heat damage.

​

17. Monitor Candle Ingredients

  • Ensure you have no allergy or reaction to your candle wax before purchasing.

  • Educate About Wax and Wicks: Ensure your customers know the benefits of clean-burning options like soy wax or cotton wicks.

  • Ensure the well-being of your pet.

​

18. Regularly Review Local Fire Safety Codes

  • Compliance with Standards: Ensure that your candles meet safety certifications like ASTM or UL for candle containers and wicks.

  • Update Based on Feedback: Stay informed about any new safety insights from fire departments or industry bodies.

    For more details on Fire Safety and statistics, please see more information through following this fire prevention document, provided by GOV.UK. 

    Please ensure you have protection against home fires to minimise risk, such as smoke detectors, access to a fire blanket, a planned escape route for a fire incident. Ensure all dwellers/visitors of the property are aware of fire safety measures when burning a candle. 

    General statistics about candle fires to raise awareness to aid prevention: 
     

  • Number of fires: The Home Office estimates that there are more than 1,000 candle fires each year in the UK. 

  • Casualties: Around 350 people are injured or killed in candle-related fires each year. 

  • When fires happen: Most candle fires occur between 9 PM and midnight, and are often in the living room or bedroom. 

  • When fires are most likely: Most candle-related house fires happen between October and February, likely due to the festive season and winter. 

  • How fires start: Fires are often started when a candle is left unattended, improperly supervised, used negligently or a child plays with it. 

  • Where fires start: About 36% of candle fires start in bedrooms.

bottom of page