(Washington, DC) After two major two-alarm fires over the weekend caused by the errant use of candles, DC Fire/EMS wants to remind District residents about how to use candles safely.

 

The first blaze erupted early Sunday morning in the 2100 block of 19th Street, NW. Several people were displaced in the fire, which injured one firefighter. Another firefighter was injured in yet another fire that started in a townhouse in the 2200 block of 15th Street, NE on Sunday afternoon. Fifty-five people were displaced and damage has been estimated at more than a million dollars. Fire investigators determined in both cases that candles were being used.

 

According to the US Fire Administration, candles are responsible for more than 9,000 residential fires nationally each year and cause 950 civilian injuries, 90 fatalities, and more than $120 million of property losses each year.

 

“Candles can be a wonderful addition to a holiday party and are especially popular during winter months,” said Fire Marshall Richard Fleming. “We want to make sure people use candles safely.”

 

Important candle safety tips include:

• Leave at least one foot of free space around a burning candle,
• Keep anything flammable away from the flame,
• Keep candles out of the reach of children and pets,
• Always extinguish candles after use, and most important,
• NEVER leave a burning candle unattended.