Fire - News
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 5, 2007
CONTACT: Firefighter/PIO Daniel Valenzuela
Glendale Fire Department, (623) 695-7668
Glendale Apartment Fire Serves as a Reminder for Candle Safety
At approximately 4:30 PM on Saturday, November 3rd, Firefighters were called out to the Galleria Apartments located near Peoria and 59th Avenues in Glendale for an apparent fire started by candles.
According to the Glendale Fire Department, the tenant had candles burning on the bathroom counter. When the candles burned down, they ignited a plastic plate they were sitting on, which then ignited a fiberglass sink insert the plate was resting on. “Many people may be with the understanding it is safe to keep candles near a sink, however many sinks today are made of fiberglass and burn very well,” said Mike Blaire, Glendale Fire Department Fire Investigator.
Due to a quick response by the fire department and fortunately for the tenant and those who live in surrounding apartment units, no one was injured and the fire did not spread.
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), during 2005, an estimated 15,600 home structure fires started by candles were reported to local fire departments. These fires resulted in an estimated 150 civilian deaths, 1,270 civilian injuries and an estimated direct property loss of $539 million.
The Glendale Fire Department reminds residents to never leave candles unattended. Following these candle safety tips by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) will keep your home safer;
- Extinguish all candles when leaving the room or going to sleep.
- Keep candles at least 1 foot away from things that can catch fire, like clothing, books and curtains.
- Use candle holders that are study, won’t tip over easily, are made from a material that cannot burn, and are large enough to collect dripping wax.
- During power outages, avoid carrying a lit candle. Use flashlights.
- NFPA discourages the use of candles in bedrooms and sleeping areas.
More safety tips can be found on the National Fire Protection Association website; www.nfpa.org
