If you’re planning #Halloween celebrations this weekend, take care if using candles.
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Winter fire safety advice from Scottish Fire & Rescue Service
That wonderful time of the year has come and gone – but those thoughtful gifts will soon turn into an environmental headache as millions of candles head to landfill in January. Continue reading Planet pays the price for candle popularity
Did you know this is Candle Safety Week? Me neither, but here’s some advice that’s particularly relevant at this time of the year …
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) is making an appeal to the public to stay safe this Candle Safety Week.
Candles pose a real threat to life if misused. Follow our top tips to make sure you, your family and home stay safe from fire:
• Make sure that when in use, candles are secured in a proper holder and away from materials that may catch fire – like curtains, furniture, Christmas trees, decorations or toys.
• Children and pets should not be left alone with lit candles.
• Put candles out when you leave the room, and make sure they’re put out completely at night. In particular, never leave a burning candle in a bedroom.
• Trim the wick to ¼ inch each time before burning. Long or crooked wicks can cause uneven burning, dripping or flaring.
• Don’t move candles once they are lit.
• Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations on burn time and proper use.
• Do not burn several candles close together as this might cause flaring (mainly with tea-lights).
• Always make sure tea-lights are placed in a proper holder. The foil container that tea lights are contained in can get very hot. They can melt through plastic, such as a bath, and have the potential to start a house fire.
• Use a snuffer or a spoon to put out candles. It’s safer than blowing them out when embers can fly.
Taking these precautions will reduce the chances of a house fire, but should the worst happen, remember to ensure that your smoke alarms are in working order and that everyone living in your household knows their quickest escapes routes in an emergency.
Top safety tip: this winter, keep a torch and spare batteries readily available in your home in case of a lighting failure.
If you or someone you know could benefit from a FREE Home Fire Safety Visit, please join Scotland’s fight against fire and request a visit by calling the SFRS freephone number 0800 0731 999, by texting ‘check’ to 61611 or by contacting their local fire station.
As people commemorate a century since Britain entered the war some basic precautions will ensure candles mark those lost without causing further tragedy.
On the 100th anniversary of the start of the First World War senior Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) officers have paid their respects to those who lost their lives in the course of the devastating conflict.
The United Kingdom entered the war on Tuesday 4 August 1914 following Germany’s invasion of Belgium. Around 17 million people were killed during one of the most destructive wars ever fought.
SFRS Chief Officer Alasdair Hay said: “The devastation of the First World War touched every community and it’s right that we pause to mark a century since the beginning of this terrible episode in history.
“Many firefighters were military reservists and so they were called up by the army or the navy, and over the course of the war many others either volunteered or were conscripted into military service.
“Of course, as with their colleagues from all other walks of life, many of these men would never return home to their families.
“The commemorative events taking place around the world today are very significant to the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, and our thoughts must go to the awful impact the First World War had on everyone involved.”
As a mark of remembrance the Royal British Legion is encouraging people to turn off their lights for an hour tonight, leaving a single light or candle on for a shared moment of reflection.
Lights Out is a national initiative running from 10pm to 11pm – exactly a century since the UK’s ultimatum for Germany to leave Belgium expired.
Foreign Secretary Sir Edward Grey famously remarked: “The lamps are going out all over Europe. We shall not see them lit again in our lifetime.”
As the First World War progressed the government took steps to ensure communities at home still had the fire cover they needed, with firefighters added to the list of reserved occupations not liable to conscription.
With people throughout the country preparing to commemorate the anniversary by taking part in the Lights Out remembrance campaign, SFRS is reminding everyone to take extra care with their candles.
Assistant Chief Officer (ACO) Lewis Ramsay, director of prevention and protection and chair of the SFRS Heritage Committee, said: “Many of us will be marking the 100th anniversary of World War One tonight by taking part in the Lights Out event.
“Firefighters served throughout the war and the sad fact is many who did were among those killed or seriously injured as a result.
“Our aim as the fire and rescue service isn’t to discourage anyone from taking part in this national moment of reflection, but we do want to remind people to take some simple precautions if they are planning to light a candle.”
ACO Ramsay continued: “Candles do pose a significant fire risk so it’s vital we all use them correctly and safely.
“It’s important to think about where they are placed. They should always be away from curtains and out of the reach of pets and children.
“Most importantly, remember to extinguish your candles if you leave the room – it only takes a moment for a fire to start.
“We urge every household to have working smoke alarms and test them every week. We also provide free home fire safety visits and fit smoke alarms where required.”
More information on candle fire safety is available on the SFRS website www.firescotland.gov.uk
People can join Scotland’s fight against fire and request a free home fire safety visit by calling the SFRS freephone number 0800 0731 999, texting ‘check’ to 61611 or by contacting their local fire station.
