Warning

1996-83
December 19, 1996

Health Canada and Fire Prevention Canada (FIPRECAN) warn Canadians to use caution when burning candles

OTTAWA - Following a report from the New Brunswick Fire Marshal's Office about a house fire resulting from a Christmas candle, Health Canada and Fire Prevention Canada (Fiprecan) are reminding and warning consumers that all burning candles should not be left unattended.

Candles are particularly popular during the holiday season but they can cause tragedies. To further reduce the risk of fires:

• Candles with flammable decorations such as paper spirals or foil should not be used.
• Metal or glass candleholders should be used and these holders should be placed in a fire-resistant container large enough to hold any melted wax.
• Place burning candles where they cannot be knocked over.
• Christmas trees should never be decorated with lit candles.
• Keep burning candles out of reach of children and away from other flammable materials such as curtains, clothing, paper streamers and aerosol cans that have a flammable warning symbol.
• Trim very long candle wicks to avoid high candle flames.
• Special caution should always be taken around all open flame sources.

For more information, consumers can contact their nearest regional Product Safety office of Health Canada listed below.

• Vancouver (604) 666-5003
• Hamilton (905) 572-2845
• Edmonton (403) 495-2480
• Montreal (514) 646-1353
• Calgary (403) 292-5613
• Quebec (418) 648-4327
• Saskatoon (306) 975-4028
• Moncton (506) 851-6638
• Winnipeg (204) 983-5490
• Dartmouth (902) 426-8300
• Toronto (416) 973-4705
• St.John's (709) 772-5536

Media inquiries:
Marcel Ethier
Fire Prevention Canada (Fiprecan)
(613) 736-8131

Michael O'Neill/Monique Renaud-Gagné
Health Canada
(613) 957-1588

Public Inquiries:
(613) 957-2991