Candle Fire in Grand Junction

This fire started after a candle ignited a curtain

In 2005-2009, U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 12,860 home structure fires that were started by candles according to the National Fire Prevention Association. At SERVPRO of Grand Junction, one of many jobs is to clean such fires.
Last week, we responded to a fire that had created very little structure damage, but heavy soot and smoke damage throughout the entire home. The fire was started when the family left for school and work and forgot to extinguish the candle before leaving. At some point while they were gone, the candle ignited curtains that were directly above the candle. The family returned home to a thick soot and smoke throughout the home. The soot left behind was very oily due to the synthetic fabric of the curtains. This soot can be hazardous to breath  from the chemicals used to create the curtains.

Soot particles and webbing on the ceiling and wall.

SERVPRO of Grand Junction wants to remind you to never never candles unattended. Here are simple some candle safety tips to keep you safe:

• Never leave your home with candles burning

• When using candles, place them in a sturdy container such as metal, glass or ceramic.

• Place in-use candles out of reach of children and pets
•  Keep candles away from any material that is likely to burn.