5,910
home structure fires
Average annual U.S. home structure fires started by candles from 2018 through 2022.
Source: National Candle Association ↗Reference page
Candle Safety Statistics
Reliable U.S. data on candle-related home fires, injuries, and the simple conditions most often connected to risk.
At a glance
The numbers behind candle safety at home.
These figures describe reported U.S. home structure fires started by candles. They are useful context, not a substitute for the safety instructions on a specific candle or its packaging.
74
civilian fire deaths
Average annual civilian fire deaths in U.S. home structure fires started by candles from 2018 through 2022.
Source: National Candle Association ↗558
civilian fire injuries
Average annual civilian fire injuries in U.S. home structure fires started by candles from 2018 through 2022.
Source: National Candle Association ↗$257M
direct property damage
Average annual direct property damage from U.S. home structure fires started by candles from 2018 through 2022.
Source: National Candle Association ↗60%
involved nearby combustibles
Three out of five home candle fires began when a combustible material was left or came too close to the candle.
Source: National Candle Association ↗36%
started in bedrooms
Bedrooms were the leading room of origin for home structure fires started by candles in the 2018-2022 analysis.
Source: National Candle Association ↗11%
occurred in December
December was the peak month for home candle fires in the 2018-2022 analysis.
Source: National Candle Association ↗What the data points to
Distance, attention, and placement matter.
The strongest pattern in the data is practical: keep combustible materials clear of a burning candle and place it where it will not be forgotten. The seasonal rise in December is a useful reminder to give candles extra space around decorations, wrapping, greenery, and busy gathering places.
For everyday use, follow the care instructions provided with the candle, burn it on a stable heat-resistant surface, and extinguish it before leaving the room or going to sleep.
Read Flickity Wick candle care →Sources and methodology
How to use this page.
All figures on this page use the 2018-2022 U.S. home structure fire analysis summarized by the National Candle Association from National Fire Protection Association research. The data is presented as annual averages unless otherwise noted.
We keep the reporting window beside every statistic so readers can cite the numbers with their proper context. This page will be reviewed when a newer primary source is available.
National Candle Association, candle fire safety data ↗
Suggested citation
Flickity Wick Candles. “Candle Safety Statistics.” Updated August 20, 2026. flickitywick.com/candle-safety-statistics