Always follow these basic safety rules when burning candles.

1. Your lighted candle should always be where you can see it.
   •  Extinguish it before you leave sight of it.
   •  Never leave burning if you leave the room or go to sleep.
2. Be aware of what is around your candle.
   Keep it a safe distance from anything flammable and combustible.
   Some examples, but not limited to ...
   •  Curtains (and blowing curtains)
   •  Paper
   •  Bedding
   •  Carpets
   •  Decorations
   •  Lamp shades
3. Keep your candles on a secure, stable place.
4. Keep candles well out of the reach of children and pets.
5. Keep matches and lighters out of the reach of children.
6. Always read and follow all manufacturer instructions carefully.
7. Trim the wick to 1/8 inch prior to each use.
8. Only use a candleholder that is designed for that particular candle.
9. Always place candle on a stable, heat resistant surface.
10. Keep burning candles away from drafts, vents, ceiling fans and air currents.
11. Extinguish a candle if it smokes, flickers repeatedly, or the flame gets too high.
    Allow the candle to cool, properly trim the wick, and before re-lighting, check for drafts.
12. Always keep candle free of foreign material
    - matches, wick clippings, foreign debris
13. Always burn candles in a well-ventilated room.
14. Never put out a candle with water.
15. Never burn a candle all the way down.
    Extinguish the flame if it comes too close to the holder or container.
    For safety purposes, stop burning a candle …
    •  when there are only 2 inches of wax left,
    •  or in the case of a container, when only 1/2 inch remains.
16. Never place burning candles closer than three inches apart from each other another.
17. Make sure the wick ember is completely out before leaving room.
18. Never move candles in containers when the wax is liquid.
19. Do not burn candle if container is cracked or defective
20. Never use a candle for light when fueling equipment
    - such as a kerosene heaters, generators or lanterns.
21. Use EXTREME caution if using candles during a power outage.

According to a 2001 pilot study of candle fires by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), by far, most candle fires were caused by combustibles being too close to the candle. The next most common cause of candle fires was due to the candle falling over or being knocked over by wind, doors, children or pets.