Taking Care by Candlelight

Advent is a time for candles – and thus also a time for numerous house fires, DEKRA experts warn. Anyone who wants to enjoy the run-up to Christmas by candlelight should be sure to observe the safety instructions. And candle safety begins with making the right purchase.

• Advent wreaths and other fire hazards in the home
• Never leave burning candles and lights unattended
• RAL Quality Mark ensures quality and safety

One of the most frequent mistakes is a result of burning candles placed too close to curtains, advent wreaths, floral arrangements or decorations. Candles may be placed on a Christmas tree only if they are a sufficient distance from any branches. In addition, it is dangerous to leave burning candles unattended or with children or pets.

An additional fire hazard may arise from candles of inferior quality. If a candle burns all the way down and the wick tips over, this can result in a fire. On advent wreaths, in floral arrangements and on Christmas trees, it is safer to use candles that go out by themselves before burning down completely. The risk of fire also decreases if candle flames are extinguished with a candle snuffer instead of being blown out. This is because flames can reignite even if they have been blown out due to inferior wick quality or an air draft.

DEKRA recommends looking for the RAL Quality Mark of Gütegemeinschaft Kerzen (the German candle quality assurance association) when buying candles. This mark, which is only awarded following neutral testing at the DEKRA candle laboratory, guarantees safe fire behavior, quality, and freedom from harmful substances.

Tealights can also pose a particular risk: If the wick slips to the edge of the aluminum cup, the material can heat up to such an extent that a wax fire ensues. This risk is particularly common when tealight cups are almost empty or when several tealights are placed too close together, resulting in the cups overheating.

Here are DEKRA’s safety tips:

• Never leave burning candles unattended or with children or pets.
• Make sure to leave a sufficient gap to any flammable materials and to use a stable, heat-resistant candle holder.
• Do not blow out candles, but extinguish them with a candle snuffer. Caution: An air draft can reignite a glowing wick.
• Pay attention to quality when buying candles. The “RAL Quality Mark for Candles” indicates that candles are safe to use. This quality mark can be recognized thanks to the stylized candle flame symbol.
• Use self-extinguishing candles where possible.
• Have a bucket of water, fire blanket, and fire extinguisher on hand. Call the emergency services if required.

DEKRA tests candles and candle materials for burning safety and chemical safety on behalf of manufacturers and retailers at its accredited laboratory for environmental and product analysis in Stuttgart.