Beware those candles
Since the second week of October was fire prevention week, I felt it would be helpful if we ended the month focusing on fire safety. With Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's approaching, I want to write about candles, which see increased use during the holidays. In fact, more candles are used on Christmas Day than any other day of the year, with December having almost double the number of fires of an avera g e month started by candles.
When used safely candles can provide an endless number of uses such as creating a romantic or relaxing environment, decorating during the holidays, and providing light during power outages. When safety is lax or ignored tragedy can quickly strike.
  Across the nation the number of house fires is dropping, while the number of fires started by candles has been increasing. The use of candles has grown quickly over the last 10 years, which has helped contribute to the rise. It's important we learn how to use candles safely so we can avoid being a statistic.
  Candles should never be left unattended. You should extinguish all candles when leaving the room. One of the most dangerous rooms in the house to burn a candle is the bedroom. Often people fall asleep, and the candle ends up setting a mattress or bedding on fire.
  You should also make sure they are on a surface that will not easily tip, and make sure the candleholder is non-combustible and big enough to catch the dripping wax. It's also important that you keep combustible materials such as clothing, books and curtains a safe distance from the flame and make sure you have a fire extinguisher in the house.
  Trim the wick to a quarter inch to avoid having an over-sized flame. Make sure candles are in areas where children and pets cannot knock them over, and always make sure a responsible adult is present. Candles should never be left burning around unsupervised children.
  Unfortunately the statistics show that children account for a disproportionate number of fire deaths caused by candle fires.
  Almost everyone enjoys the smell of a scented candle and the relaxing atmosphere they create.
  When following proper safety procedures, they are considered safe to burn. So take a few minutes to learn candle safety and watch those candles burn.
  24/7/365: You call; we res p o n d .
 KENNETH LEE KNIGHT is a battalion chief in the High Point Fire Department.