Tukes issues a warning of candle arrangements with a fire safety risk – do not use!

The Finnish Safety and Chemicals Agency (Tukes) has discovered that Christmas-themed candle arrangements that present a fire safety risk have been sold to consumers. Tukes has imposed a temporary sales ban on the hazardous products. If you have bought such a candle arrangement, stop using it immediately! In a hazardous candle arrangement, decorations are too close to a candle and may very easily catch fire.

According to information obtained by Tukes, certain Dutch-style Christmas candle arrangements have been held available for sale in Bulevardi at the Itis shopping centre, in which candles are in direct contact with decorations. When Tukes tested the flammability of the decorative material used in the candle arrangements, it was discovered that some of the material used in the products ignited easily, causing the fire to spread to other decorations. Tukes imposed a temporary sales ban on the products during the investigation of the case. A temporary sales ban can be imposed on products during the processing of a case if it is evident that the products present a risk. If you have bought or been given a Christmas-themed arrangement in which candles are in direct contact with decorations, do not light the candles!

Images 1–5. Hazardous candle arrangements.
 

Candle arrangement with a fire safety risk, Image 1. 

Candle arrangement with a fire safety risk, Image 2.

Candle arrangement with a fire safety risk, Image 3.

Candle arrangement with a fire safety risk, Image 4.

Candle arrangement with a fire safety risk, Image 5.

 Image 6. A candle arrangement on fire.

“Fire safety must always be addressed when planning and building Christmas decorations. Candles cannot be placed close to flammable material. When candles are lit, even the slightest air current or movement of the arrangement can cause the flame to contact nearby decorations, potentially leading to an instant fire,” says Jere Heikkinen, Senior Officer at Tukes. 

Always remember the following when burning candles:

• Never leave a burning candle unattended.
• Follow the candle maker’s recommendation for the minimum distance between candles.
• Only burn candles on a non-flammable surface and keep them well away from any flammable material. 
• Only light candles in a draught-free place. An air current may prevent the candle from burning cleanly and may cause the candle to melt unevenly, potentially damaging the candle and causing a fire hazard.
• Keep candles out of reach of children and pets, as active play may lead to unexpected hazards with candles.
• Be aware that many Christmas decorations are made of highly flammable and intensely burning material. During Christmas, use special caution when handling fire.

See what happened to a candle arrangement: 
Link to a video in which a candle arrangement is burnt
 

More information: Jere Heikkinen, Senior Officer, +358 29 5052 108
Email format: [email protected]