Candles, incense and oil burners can cause fires if left unattended or placed too close to anything that could catch fire. Always use suitable holders, keep naked flames away from flammable materials and extinguish them completely before leaving the room or going to bed.
Consider using battery-operated LED candles as a safer alternative to traditional candles.
Overview
Candles, incense and oil burners are commonly used to create a relaxing atmosphere, add fragrance or during religious and cultural celebrations.
However, naked flames, burning embers and hot surfaces can cause fires and serious injuries if not used carefully.
Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service encourages everyone to consider safer alternatives wherever possible. If you choose to use candles, incense or oil burners, taking simple precautions can help protect people, pets and property.
Key Safety Advice
- Always place candles, incense and oil burners in suitable, heat-resistant holders on a stable surface.
- Keep naked flames away from curtains, furniture, decorations and anything else that could catch fire.
- Never leave burning candles, incense or oil burners unattended.
- Extinguish all naked flames completely before leaving the room or going to bed.
- Keep candles, incense and oil burners out of reach of children and pets.
- Avoid placing several burning candles or tealights close together, as heat can build up and cause flaring.
- Keep candles away from draughts, open windows and air vents.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safe use and recommended burning times.
- Allow candles, holders and burners to cool completely before moving or handling them.
What You Need to Know
Why are candles, incense and oil burners a fire risk?
Candles and oil burners can use naked flames, while incense produces burning embers. These can ignite nearby materials such as curtains, clothing, furniture and decorations.
Candleholders, tealight containers and oil burners can also become extremely hot during use, creating a risk of burns or fire if placed on unsuitable surfaces.
Even a small flame can spread quickly if it comes into contact with flammable materials.
Are LED candles a safer alternative?
Battery-operated LED candles provide a safer alternative to traditional candles because they do not use a naked flame.
They can create a similar warm atmosphere without the risk of an open flame igniting nearby materials.
Consider using LED candles, particularly around decorations, children and pets, or in places where traditional candles could be easily knocked over.
How can I use candles and tealights safely?
Choose a suitable, heat-resistant candleholder that keeps the candle secure and upright.
Place candles on a stable surface, away from anything that could catch fire, and leave enough space between them to prevent heat building up.
- Trim candle wicks to approximately 6 mm (¼ inch) before lighting to help prevent excessive flames and uneven burning.
- Keep the melted wax free from matches, wick trimmings and other debris.
- Avoid placing candles in draughts or near air vents, which can cause uneven burning and excessive dripping.
- Follow the manufacturer’s recommended burning times.
- Never move a candle while it is burning or while the wax is still hot.
Tealights can become particularly hot. Always use a suitable holder and avoid placing several close together, as this can cause overheating or flaring.
How can I use incense safely?
Incense sticks and cones continue to produce heat and burning embers while in use.
- Place incense in a suitable, heat-resistant holder designed to collect falling ash.
- Keep incense away from curtains, paper, furniture and other flammable materials.
- Use incense on a stable surface where it cannot be knocked over.
- Keep children and pets away from burning incense.
- Make sure incense is completely extinguished before leaving the room or going to bed.
Remember that incense ash and holders may remain hot after use.
How can I use oil burners safely?
Oil burners commonly use a tealight to heat fragrance oils or wax, creating both a naked flame and hot surfaces.
- Place oil burners on a stable, heat-resistant surface away from flammable materials.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions, including any requirements for water or fragrance oil.
- Avoid allowing the burner to boil dry or overheat.
- Keep oil burners out of reach of children and pets.
- Allow the burner and its contents to cool completely before moving, cleaning or refilling.
Never leave a lit oil burner unattended.
How can I keep children and pets safe around candles?
Children and pets can accidentally knock over candles or come into contact with hot wax, flames or burning incense.
Keep candles and burners in secure locations, away from places where children or pets may reach them.
Never leave children alone in a room with lit candles or other naked flames.
Always consider where candles are placed, particularly in busy areas of the home where they could be accidentally knocked over.
What should I do before leaving a room or going to bed?
Always extinguish candles, incense and oil burners completely, even if you are only leaving the room for a short time.
Use a candle snuffer or suitable metal spoon to extinguish candles, reducing the risk of hot wax splashing or sparks spreading.
Check that flames and glowing embers are fully extinguished, and allow holders and burners to cool before handling them.
Never leave candles burning while you sleep.
How can smoke alarms help protect my home?
Working smoke alarms provide an early warning if a fire starts, giving you valuable time to escape.
Fit at least one smoke alarm on every level of your home and test them regularly.
You can also complete our Online Home Fire Safety Check for personalised advice on reducing fire risks in your home.
Small changes can help prevent fires and protect everyone in your home.