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The use of open-flame candles can add ambience to the holiday, provide "warmth"
to a home and be a source of light during power outages. For these and other reasons,
a great number of consumers are burning candles. The Spokane Valley Fire Department
would like to remind residents that the improper use of candles can result in
a disaster. To avoid the dangers of fire while burning candles, please follow
these important safety tips.
First, never leave a burning candle unattended.
Keep all combustible materials away from open flames. Do not burn candles near
windows or doorways. Place candles in glass or ceramic containers. Place candles
on a flat, sturdy, non-combustible surface and never leave candles burning when
children or pets are present.
Cleaning your fireplace is another way
to avoid dangerous house fires. When you clean your fireplace, there are a few
things to keep in mind. To begin with, you should always place discarded fireplace
ashes in a heavy metal container, moisten the ashes and cover the container with
a metal lid. Never use a paper bag, a cardboard box or plastic trash bag in the
cleaning process. Also, never use a vacuum cleaner to pick up ashes.
Ashes
should be kept in a metal container outside, away from the house to cool. Your
garage, house or decks are dangerous locations for ashes to cool. After ashes
have cooled in a metal container, it is necessary to find a suitable disposal
site. Never dump fireplace ashes until they have had at least four days to cool.
Even after four days, great care should be given in selecting a dumpsite. Wooded
areas should always be avoided.
For more fire safety information, visit
www.spokanevalleyfire.com.
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