A practical reference for candle lovers

Candle Safety Statistics: U.S. Fire Data and Safe Use

For the comfort a candle can bring, safe habits matter. This page gathers current U.S. fire data in one clear place, with sources that writers, readers, and gift guides can check for themselves.

Last updated November 10, 2026. Statistics below reflect the source periods noted with each finding.

At a glance

These figures describe reported U.S. home structure fires where candles were the heat source. They are not a reason to give up the small rituals you love. They are a reminder to keep flame, time, and space in view.

5,894

estimated home structure fires each year

U.S. fire departments responded to this annual average of home structure fires where candles were the heat source during 2020 through 2024. Source: NFPA

63 deaths

and 532 civilian injuries each year

The same 2020 through 2024 candle-fire average also included an estimated $286 million in direct property damage each year. Source: NFPA

36%

of candle fires began in bedrooms

Sleep was a factor in 11% of reported candle fires, 34% of candle-fire deaths, and 17% of candle-fire injuries in the same five-year period. Source: NFPA

More than half

started when a flammable item was too close

Furniture, bedding, curtains, paper, clothing, and decorations are among the materials named in the research. In 21% of candle fires, the candle was left unattended, discarded, or otherwise misused. Source: NFPA

injuries per 1,000 reported candle fires

That injury rate was nearly three times the rate for all home structure fire causes during 2020 through 2024. Source: NFPA

December and January

are the peak months for candle fires

The National Fire Protection Association reports that 12% of candle fires occur in December and 10% occur in January. Source: NFPA

A calm, safer routine

Simple habits that protect the moment

Keep a burning candle at least 12 inches from anything that can burn. Place it on a stable, heat-resistant surface where children and pets cannot reach it.

Before you leave a room or go to sleep, blow it out. If you want fragrance without an open flame in a bedroom, during a busy evening, or around the holidays, a wax warmer can be a thoughtful alternative.

Methodology and sources

How to read these statistics

The National Fire Protection Association compiles national estimates from incidents reported to U.S. local fire departments. The five-year averages on this page help smooth out year-to-year changes. Source dates are listed below, and this page will be refreshed when the underlying research changes.

National Fire Protection Association, Candle Safety (2026). Five-year U.S. estimates for 2020 through 2024, including fires, losses, locations, injury rates, and contributing circumstances.
National Fire Protection Association, Winter Holidays (2026). Monthly candle-fire share and holiday fire-safety information.

Cite this page

Grace & Glow Co. (2026, November 10). Candle Safety Statistics: U.S. Fire Data and Safe Use. https://graceglowco.shop/candle-safety-statistics