At Thompson Ferrier, our candles bring warmth, ambiance, and a touch of luxury to any space. While our candles are crafted with care and quality, it’s essential to know how to handle them safely, especially in the unlikely event of a candle fire. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the steps to follow if a candle catches fire and provide essential tips to prevent such situations.
Immediate Steps to Follow if a Candle Catches Fire:
What NOT to do:
Do NOT Panic
Panic can lead to mistakes and injuries. Take a deep breath and assess the situation with a clear mind.
Do NOT Touch the Candle
Moving a burning candle is highly dangerous. The hot wax can spill, causing burns or spreading the fire. Leave the candle where it is and focus on extinguishing the flame safely without causing further harm or damage.
Do NOT Throw Water on the Candle
Throwing water on a candle fire might seem like a natural reaction, but it can make the situation worse. Water and wax react negatively, causing the hot wax to splatter and potentially spreading the fire. Additionally, if the candle is in a glass holder, the sudden temperature change can cause the glass to shatter.
What to do:
Stay Calm
The most important thing to remember in any emergency is to stay calm. Keeping calm helps you think logically and act swiftly.
Smother the Candle
Find a way to cover the flame to cut off its oxygen supply. Here are some effective techniques:
Cover with a Damp Cloth: A slightly damp cloth can be used to smother the flame. Ensure the cloth is not dripping wet. Gently place it over the flame, ensuring it covers the candle completely.
Use Baking Soda: If the flame is small, sprinkling baking soda over it can help. Baking soda releases carbon dioxide when heated, which can suffocate the flame. Avoid using flour or other powdery substances, as they can be flammable.
Use a Fire Extinguisher: As a last resort, if the flame cannot be controlled using the above methods, use a fire extinguisher. Make sure you know how to operate it properly and aim it at the base of the fire.
Preventative Tips to Avoid a Candle Fire:
Never Leave a Burning Candle Unattended
Always extinguish your candles when they are out of sight or before leaving the room. This is especially important if there are children or pets around.
Keep Candles Away from Flammable Items
Avoid placing your burning candle near anything that may catch fire. It is recommended to keep it at least 12 inches away from flammable objects.
Trim the Wick
Keep the wick trimmed to about ¼ inch to prevent a large, flickering flame. This prevents uneven burning and reduces the risk of a bigger flame.
Place Your Candle on a Sturdy Surface
Ensure your candle is on a heat-resistant, stable surface away from flammable materials. This helps prevent it from getting knocked over.
Avoid Rooms with a Draft
Do not burn your candle in a space with a draft or strong airflow, such as from a window. A draft can cause flame flare-ups or uneven burning.
Extinguish Properly
Use a snuffer or a metal lid to extinguish the flame instead of blowing it out. This prevents hot wax from splattering and ensures the flame is fully extinguished.
Conclusion
These steps are essential to follow if you are ever in the scary situation of a candle fire to avoid further devastation. Make sure that you are following these preventative steps when using a candle in your space to avoid this ever happening to you. Stay safe and practice precaution when burning and enjoying your beautiful candles.
At Thompson Ferrier, your safety is our priority. By staying calm, avoiding hazardous reactions, and using the right techniques, you can handle a candle fire effectively. Enjoy the luxurious ambiance of our candles with the peace of mind that comes from being prepared.
For more safety tips and to explore our exquisite candle collection, visit our website and follow us on Instagram. Stay safe and keep your home glowing beautifully!
Feel free to share this guide with your friends and family to promote safe candle usage and enjoy the beauty and elegance our candles bring to your home.