Consumers after the heady aromas and stress-busting enjoyment of specialty candles used at home are warned not to become so mellow they doze off and reduce their homes to cinders -- or worse.

Deaths from residential fires were halved from 1980 to 2,660 in 1998, but those caused by candles have increased 750 percent during the same period and more and more often specialty candles are the culprit, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

"Candles are no longer used for the occasional dinner party. In fact, only a small percent of candle fires start in dining rooms," said CPSC chairwoman Ann Brown.

"Candle sales are booming and families are lighting candles in their living rooms, family rooms, dens and bathrooms," she added.

Deaths from residential fires dropped from 4,500 to 2,660 from 1980 to 1998, while those caused by candles zoomed from 20 deaths to 170 during the same period. In most cases, candles caused house fires when they were left unattended, tipped over and ignited nearby combustibles.

Specialty candles are adding to the threat.

In the past two months candle makers and retailers in cooperation with the Consumer Product Safety Commission have recalled more than 70,000 candles used in the home because they pose a variety of fire hazards.

• Value City and Schottenstein Stores of Columbus, Ohio on Jan. 24 this year voluntarily recalled 6,400 square and round 4-inch botanical candles, containing dried flowers, which when burned, can ignite, posing fire and burn hazards. No injuries or damage was reported in the mishaps. Consumers can return the candles for a refund, call Value City toll-free at (888) 278-6370 or visit the firm's web site.

• Also this year, the same stores recalled 2,300 fruit-flavor scented "Express Ways! Gel Candles," a gel candle-making kit for kids. When the finished candles are burned they can melt the plastic candleholders, posing a fire and burn hazard to kids and others. One resultant fire burned a consumer's hands and feet and caused susbstantial damage to a home. Another related fire caused minor furniture damage.

• In December last year, Dallas, TX-based Neiman Marcus recalled 620 name-shaped, 8-inch to 11-inch tall pine tree candles that when lighted can melt down, collapse and spread flames and hot wax with a potential for burns and fires. The Italian-made candles have bottom stickers with SKU numbers 3162 4045, 3162 4037, 57604026, 57604034 and 57604042. The candles were sold at both Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman. Call (800) 634-6267 for more information.

• Also in December, Little Rock, AR-based Dilliard's recalled 12,000 similar 8-inch and 9-inch "Noble Excellence" pine tree shaped candles which had the added danger of flammable decorative glitter and paint. Luckily, no injuries or property damage was reported during mishaps that detected the problems. Bottom stickers carried the numbers 127CD109 and 127CD108. Refunds are available from Dilliard's. Call the retailer at (800) 235-9660 or visit the firm's Web site for customer service.

• Deerfield, IL-based Walgreens on Dec. 20 announced the recall of 50,500 3-inch and 6-inch, pillar-shaped Candele-brand glitter candles with flammable glitter. No injuries were reported in one case of igniting glitter. A label affixed to the bottom of the candles carry the numbers 642413, 642423, 642424, 642409, 642410, and 642411. Return the candles to the retailer for a refund, contact Walgreens at (866) 241-0105 or visit the firm's web site.

Brown says, "Fires from candles have increased dramatically, but they are preventable. Reduce the chance of a fire, by following CPSC's simple safety tips."

• Keep matches, lighters and candles away from children.

• Never leave burning candles unattended.

• Keep combustible materials away from candles.

• Don't put candles in a location where children or pets can tip them over.

• Use only non-flammable candle holders.

• Always trim wicks before lighting them.

For more articles by Broderick Perkins, please press here.

Published: January 31, 2002

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A journalist for 35-years, Broderick Perkins parlayed an old-school daily newspaper career into a digital news service offering editorial content and consulting services. Perkins' San Jose, CA-based DeadlineNews Group includes the flagship news site, DeadlineNews.Com, offering real estate, personal finance and consumer journalism, and a backshop, the Deadline Newsroom.