A candle in a metal decorative wall hanger burned as the homeowner accidentally dosed off to sleep.  A working smoke detector saved the homeowner's life.  According to the National Fire Protection Association, home candle fires jumped 20% from 1998 to 1999 to hit their 20-year peak in 1999, the latest year for which data is available. 

Safety tips:  Extinguish all candles when leaving the room or going to sleep.  Keep candles away from items that can catch fire like clothing, books, paper, curtains, Christmas trees and flammable decorations.  Use candleholders that are sturdy, won't tip over easily, are made from a material that can't burn and are large enough to collect dripping wax.