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Whether you're using your candles to scent and decorate or as a religious symbol, these popular home accessories can be dangerous so reduce your risk of causing a fire by checking out our recommendations.

• Never leave a candle unattended and remember to extinguish it before you go asleep.
• Make sure the candle is standing up straight and is firmly fixed in a proper holder so it can't fall over. Scented candles turn to liquid in order to release their fragrance, so always burn them in a suitable glass or metal container that will not leak the liquid and can withstand the heat from it.
• Always place candles on a heat resistant surface. Nightlights and tealights can melt plastic surfaces, such as the top of the TV and the side of a bath tub.
• Keep candles out of draughts, blowing curtains and sources of heat or direct sunlight.
• Always leave at least 10cm (four inches) between two candles and never place them under shelves or other surfaces.
• Extinguish candles before they burn into holders.
• Burn all candles well out of reach of children and pets.
• Always put candles out before you move them. Using a 'snuffer' or a spoon is safer than blowing them out, which can send sparks and hot wax flying.
• Consider an extra smoke alarm in the rooms where you burn candles.
• NEVER use outdoor candles indoors.
• NEVER lean across a candle - you could set your hair or clothes on fire.
• NEVER play with candles.

Keep an eye on your Candles - Fire Kills advert

For more information about fire safety or to book a FREE home fire risk assessment visit our Home Fire Risk Assessment section.

Last update: 13/06/2011 09:13:43