Lynn fires underscore candle burning danger

LYNN – A three-alarm fire ripped through a Victorian home on Hamilton Avenue in September.The fire was caused by toppled religious candles left unattended.Yet another candle-lit religious shrine inside a Harwood Street apartment sparked a blaze in November that firefighters were able to contain to the second-floor bedroom.”There have been many recent fires started after a candle was left burning unattended on a back porch, bedside table or a window shelf,” said state Fire Marshal Stephen Coan. “I can’t stress enough ? when you leave the room, blow the candle out.”To emphasize the danger, Coan has designated today as Candle Safety Awareness Day in Massachusetts.”Many of the holidays celebrated at this time of year use candles. Unfortunately, with increased use we also see a jump in candle fires,” said Coan, noting that most candle fires occur on Dec. 24.In 2009, candles caused 130 fires of all types. These fires caused 13 civilian injuries, 20 firefighter injuries and an estimated $4 million in damages, according to Jennifer Mieth, a fire safety educator in the fire marshal’s office.Mieth said there was an 18-percent decrease from the 158 fires of all types started by candles in Massachusetts in 2008.”Fire education efforts have shown results and there has been a downward trend in candle fires since the year 2000,” said Coan.The so-called “circle of safety” requires that a one-foot radius from the candle be observed, keeping it free of anything that can burn.In addition to the circle, candles should never be left burning unattended, and should be extinguished after use. Candles should also be kept out of reach of children and pets, and be burned in a non-combustible saucer or candle holder.Lynn Fire Lt. Israel Gonzalez from the department’s fire prevention office said seven people escaped the Hamilton Avenue fire last September because smoke detectors blared a warning. He suggested people buy flameless, battery-operated candles. “They look very real,” he said.Smoke and carbon-monoxide detectors can play a key role in keeping residents safe, especially during winter when the use of space heaters, fireplaces and wood stoves increases dramatically.Mieth said space-heater fires are rare, but dangerous and more prevalent in poorer urban areas. “One in seven space heater fires causes a fire death,” she said.Improper disposal of ashes has already led to a spate of recent fires in Massachusetts, including one in Peabody on Nov. 29 where the woman was injured.”Since Nov. 29, we are aware of about five fires from improper disposal of fireplace or wood stove ashes,” Mieth said.According to state fire records, in 2009 there were 928 fire incidents involving chimneys, fireplaces, and wood stoves. These fires were responsible for two civilian deaths, six civilian injuries, 14 firefighter injuries, and resulted in $3.1 million in property losses. Combined they make up 35 percent of all fires linked to heating systems.Although it may seem like common sense, Coan said residents are reminded to shovel hot ashes into a metal bucket, preferably with a lid, and place it outside away from the building. “Don’t place ashes into a paper bag, cardboard box or plastic trash can,” he said. “Ashes and embers can stay hot for days and ignite combustibles.”