Want to know the best scents for candles this Christmas? The answer is “common sense”, says leading property damage loss assessor, Property Claim Assist. The team frequently see the devastation candle fires bring to homes, as they handle the resulting fire insurance claims.
Many of the UK’s candle fires occur in December. Humberside Fire Service reported that December’s candle-fire numbers peak at more than double the summer average.
Those wishing to prevent loss to life and property, should remember there are around 300-350 candle fires annually. Additionally, the growing popularity of scented candles means such fires can occur at any time. Candles caused 200 fires in the London area alone in 2020.
Why Do Candle Fires Cause So Much Loss?
Candles, incense burners and oil burners all present similar risks. A fire from these often breaks out when they are left unattended, allowing flames to take hold before the fire is discovered. Other candle fires occur whilst homeowners sleep, having forgotten to extinguish a candle. Perhaps this is why around 32% of candle fires tragically result in a fatality.
Whilst the risk of loss of life is one huge reason to be careful, property losses can also be significant in a candle fire. The resulting fire insurance claims can be complex, often amounting to significant or total property loss.
What Causes Candle Fires?
Many candle fires result from a flame coming into contact with a highly flammable material or fabric. Another cause is because the candle has been placed below or on a surface that can also catch fire. Perhaps under a wooden shelf or on the side of a bath. As materials ignite or melt, they provide ‘fuel’ with which to feed the flames.
If the owner is not in the room with the candle when trouble strikes, the chances are that at least that room – but probably others in the property too – will be affected by the fire damage.
Identifying Hidden Property Fire Damage
There can be unseen damage caused by both the fire and the water used to extinguish it.
Damage, such as corrosive soot deposits and mould and mildew growth, is often contained within the home’s structure into which smoke or water penetrates. This – and smoke odour – often require experts to detect and address the situation. This is something Property Claim Assist can arrange. They get the owners of fire-damaged properties back on their feet.
Negotiating a fire insurance claim requires the team’s skill and their understanding of their insured client’s entitlement. It is all too easy to naïvely accept a fire insurance claim settlement from an insurer. People often think that what you can see is all that needs to be replaced or repaired. Sometimes the cost of what you cannot see, which can come back to bite you later, can be significant. Candles can cause huge trauma and financial loss. Despite this, many of us still wish to include them in our festive celebrations. If you feel compelled to do so, follow Property Claim Assist’s ‘Festive 15’ candle safety tips:
Property Claim Assist’s Festive 15 Candle Safety Tips
1) Don’t leave a candle unattended once lit.
2) Fit a smoke alarm in a room in which you are using candles, particularly if this is a regular habit. Once fitted, make sure you regularly test/replace batteries.
3) Don’t position a candle close to any material that could catch fire. Whether fabric, decorations or even hair! Don’t stand or sit candles close together either, as this can cause flaring between them, particularly if you are using tealights.
4) Make sure the candle has total stability before lighting it. If not, it could topple over, either through its own imbalance, or because of a draught in the room.
5) Ensure candles are not placed close to open windows, draughts, fans or vents.
6) Only ever place candles on a heat-resistant surface. Do NOT place on any form of plastic surface, such as a TV surround or bath side.
7) Don’t position candles under shelves or other overhead obstructions within one-metre of the flame. Best advice is to not put them under anything.
8) Keep candles well away from children or pets. Both could knock them over.
9) Whilst decorative candle holders look lovely, candles contained in glass jar are often safer. However, be very careful when the wax is at a low level. This is because it struggles to absorb the heat energy, potentially causing the glass to heat excessively and shatter.
10) Exercise care when lighting a candle. Check, each time, that the wick is not too high or crooked. Cut it to around a quarter-of-an-inch before lighting, and make sure the area around the candle is free from pieces of wick, matches or other debris.
11) If a flame becomes too high whilst the candle is burning, put it out. Also make sure you adhere to recommended burn times and use the candle as instructed.
12) Be careful when putting a candle out. Don’t blow it, as this can send hot wax flying. Snuff it out with a spoon, or a candle-snuffer if you have one. Don’t leave the candle smouldering.
13) Don’t carry a lit candle around the house or attempt to carry one in a hot jar.
14) Don’t light candles if planning to have a few tipples.
15) Opt for battery-lit candles, which can still flicker and provide you with a true festive feel.
How Property Claim Assist Can Help
Should you suffer any type of fire at your home or rented property, or at your commercial premises, you do not have to manage your insurance claim alone. One call to Property Claim Assist, on 0333 577 2720, gives you access to a highly experienced loss assessor and property insurance claim manager. They can handle your entire claim and oversee all your property restoration at no charge, if you are insured and instruct our trusted contractors to handle your repairs.
We can help you get your home back to its pre-loss condition, supporting you all the way, through our Fire Assist insurance claims service.
Just remember that many others in our sector can’t hold a candle to us. When it comes to our years of experience, so you can trust us to get things right on your behalf.
