A Primer on Candle Safety

Candles cause thousands of house fires every year. To keep flames manageable, says the National Candle Association, trim wicks to one-quarter inch (making a lower flame). Also, keep candles at least 10 inches from a vent or window (preventing air from blowing the flame toward fabric or paper), and extinguish any candle that has burned to within two inches of its base. Keep candles away from any flammable liquids.