COUPLES who may be romancing by candlelight this Valentine’s Day are being urged by firefighters to make sure it’s just their passion that gets ignited!
Candles and tea lights are widely used on Valentine’s night for candle-lit dinners or to set a romantic mood – but if not used properly, they can become killers, warns West Sussex County Council Fire and Rescue Service.
Jackie Boyle, Community Fire Safety Officer, said: “We don’t want to throw a bucket of cold water over anyone’s passion.
“But we would ask people not to put themselves at risk – the flame from a candle can quickly ignite a nearby curtain or clothing if it’s placed too close, or gets knocked over.
“Candles that are forgotten about and left unattended can also cause fires if not placed in proper candleholders.”
Tea lights, in particular, have become increasingly popular in recent years to create a relaxing or romantic atmosphere in the home.
“But many people are still unaware of the dangers they can present,” said Jackie.
“Because tea lights come with a flat metal base many people think it is safe to place them directly onto any surface without a candleholder or a heat resistant saucer.
“However, they reach extremely high temperatures. That means if they’re placed directly on a plastic or combustible surface – for example an acrylic bath or the top of a television set – they quickly melt into the plastic and can cause a potentially fatal fire.”
West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service tea light and candle safety advice is:
· Always burn in a non-flammable holder on a heat resistant surface.
· Don’t let anything fall into the hot wax, including used matches.
· Never place tea lights directly on plastic surfaces such as TVs, computers or baths.
· Never leave them unattended.
· Remember to extinguish before going to sleep.
· Keep well away from draughts, curtains, furniture or clothes.
· Keep away from children and pets.
· Check your smoke alarm is working – an early warning can save lives.
Peter Evans, County Council Cabinet Member for Public Protection, said: “By following this straightforward and timely advice from our firefighters, couples will ensure they don’t become Valentine’s victim.”
West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service carried out a controlled test on a tea light candle at its Chichester HQ – the results can be viewed at: http://www.wsfb.co.uk/newsitems/video/tealights.mpg
Fire safety advice is free and easy to access from West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service. For advice or information, please contact the Community Safety Team on 01243 642878 or visit www.westsussex.gov.uk/fire
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