Lots of people are lighting up their holidays with candles and local fire officials want to make sure that doesn’t cause problems.
Greg Nicol of Owen Sound Fire and Emergency Services says candles are a common cause of home fires.
He suggests that people buy good quality candles that are smoke and drip-free.
Nicol says candles need to be secured in a steady holder, in a location where they can’t be knocked over.
Children and pets can be attracted to candles and Nicol warns people to keep them out of reach.
Nicol says it’s also important to consider what items are close to the candle’s flame.
Decorative items such as wreaths can easily ignite.
Nicol says candles also should not be used as flashlights or nightlights.
He says people need to make sure their holiday season isn’t marred by a preventable fire.
