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Fire Prevention Week: Candle Safety
Posted 10/10/2012 Updated 10/10/2012
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by Tech. Sgt. Jarrod Berry
8th Civil Engineer Squadron Fire Department
10/10/2012 - KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- From Oct. 7 to 13, Kunsan Air Base is joining America in participating in Fire Prevention Week.
The first tip of the week from the 8th Civil Engineer Squadron Fire Department is about proper candle safety.
Although 8th Fighter Wing Instruction 32-2001, "Fire Emergency Services Program," para. 3.11, does not permit the use of candles or incense inside any government facilities,
Below are guidelines about candle use to ensure you and your family have a safe and fun holiday season.
· Last year, an estimated 18,000 home fires were started by candles. These fires resulted in an estimated 130 deaths, 1,350 injuries and an estimated property loss of $333 million.
· Candle fires accounted for an estimated 5 percent of all reported home fires.
· 40 percent of the home candle fires are started in the bedroom.
· Candle fires have more than tripled since the low of 5,500 in 1990.
· December has almost twice the number of candle fires of any average month.
· 50 percent of candle fires occur when some form of combustible material is left or comes too close to the candle, 18 percent occurred after candles were left unattended, abandoned or inadequately controlled, and five percent are started by people, usually children, playing with the candle.
· Falling asleep is a factor in 12 percent of candle fires and 25 percent of the candle fire deaths.
· Christmas Day is the peak day of the year for candle fires.
Remember: the use of candles or incense in Kunsan AB facilities is not allowed.
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