Candle fires are rare but manageable. The three rules: don’t panic, don’t move the candle, don’t use water. Smother the flame with a metal lid, snuffer, or damp cloth. Thompson Ferrier candles are crafted with safety in mind — but knowing what to do in an emergency is just as important as the candle itself.
If a Candle Catches Fire: What NOT To Do
- Do NOT panic — panic leads to mistakes. Take a breath and assess calmly.
- Do NOT touch or move the candle — hot wax can spill and spread the fire instantly.
- Do NOT throw water on it — water and hot wax react violently; the glass vessel can shatter from the temperature shock.
What To Do: Step-by-Step
Step 1 — Stay Calm
Clear thinking is your most important tool in any emergency. Slow down, assess, act.
Step 2 — Smother the Flame
Cut off the oxygen supply using one of these methods:
- Metal lid or candle snuffer — place carefully over the flame; most effective and safest method
- Damp cloth — gently lay a slightly damp (not dripping) cloth over the flame to cover it completely
- Baking soda — for small flames, sprinkle directly; releases CO₂ which suffocates the flame. Never use flour — it is flammable.
- Fire extinguisher — last resort only; aim at the base of the flame
How To Prevent a Candle Fire
- Never leave a burning candle unattended — extinguish before leaving the room, especially with children or pets nearby
- Keep 12 inches of clearance — nothing flammable within 12 inches of a burning candle
- Trim the wick to ¼ inch before every burn — prevents large, flickering flames
- Use a stable, heat-resistant surface — prevents tipping
- Avoid drafts — open windows and vents cause flare-ups and uneven burning
- Extinguish with a snuffer — never blow out; prevents wax splatter and ensures the flame is fully out
- Stop at ½ inch of wax — never burn to the bottom of the vessel
Thompson Ferrier candles are designed for safety, longevity, and an exceptional sensory experience. Explore the collection → and burn with confidence.
Quick Answers: Candle Fire Safety
What should I do if my candle catches fire?
Stay calm, do not move the candle, and smother the flame with a metal lid, snuffer, or slightly damp cloth. Never use water — it can cause hot wax to splatter and the glass to shatter.
Can you use a fire extinguisher on a candle fire?
Yes, as a last resort. Use a dry chemical extinguisher and aim at the base of the flame. For small candle fires, a snuffer or metal lid is always the safer first option.
How do I prevent candle fires?
Trim the wick to ¼ inch before every burn, never leave a candle unattended, keep 12 inches of clearance from flammable objects, and always extinguish with a snuffer rather than blowing it out.
For more on candle care and safety, read candle care tips, why you shouldn’t burn your candle all the way to the bottom, and everything you need to know about candle burn times.
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