Candle, oil burner and incense safety

Summary

Never leave candles, incense or oil burning without someone around.
Make sure you put them out when you go out or go to sleep.
Set them up on a stable, hard surface at least one metre away from anything that can catch fire easily.
Never leave children alone near burning candles, incense or oil burners.

If you have candles, incense and oil burners in your home, it's important to use them safely. Follow these simple DO's and DON'Ts for the best chance of preventing a fire in your home.

put candles, incense and oil burners out before leaving home or going to sleep
keep your hair and any loose clothing away from flames
keep things that can easily burn, including curtains, at least one metre away
keep lighters, matches, candles, incense and oil burners away from children
make sure there is an adult watching children in a room where they're in use
think about using battery-operated candles or electric diffusers instead.
Don’t burn candles, incense or oil burners without a responsible adult around.
Don’t use them when there is a breeze or a draft in the area.
Don’t put them on unstable or cluttered surfaces.
Don’t use them near things which can easily catch on fire.
Don’t leave children alone in a room with an open flame.
Don’t move candle, incense or oil burners when they are alight. They can cause serious burns, even after just being put out.

Candles

A small green candle in a glass jar is lit on a windowsill next to sheer white curtains — Placing a candle near a curtain like this can burn down your home. It only takes the slightest breeze or someone walking past to blow the curtain onto the flame.

Candles are often left to burn when people aren't watching, put on unstable surfaces or too close to objects that might catch on fire. It's important to use them safely and put them out properly.

Keep candles at least one metre away from curtains and other objects that can can catch fire.
Always follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Don't burn candles for long periods of time.
Don't use them if there is a strong breeze that could knock them over or blow something onto them.
Never touch or move a lit candle or one that's recently been put out. The flame and the hot, melted wax can cause serious burns.
Always use a proper candle holder. They should be heat resistant, stable and large enough to catch and contain any drips or melted wax.
Don't use candles if there is medical oxygen in the home.

Make a safer choice

A glass jar is on a dining table that is set for a dinner party. — Candles in glass jars are a safer choice. They are more stable and the flame is protected by the glass.

Candle sticks on a dining table are lit while a woman is leaning over them to set the table. — Candle sticks can be easily knocked over and the open flames can set fire to anything near them.

Want to set the scene at your next dinner party and stay safe? Choose candles in glass jars rather than candle sticks for your table. The glass jar protects object from the flame and contains the melted wax.

Candle sticks can be knocked over easily and people can accidentally catch their clothing or hair on fire when reaching across the table.

Incense and Oil Burners

Incense and oil burners can be just as dangerous as candles in the home. Make sure you don't leave them burning without anyone around, or in enclosed spaces. Here are our tips for using them safely in the home:

Don't let an oil burner go dry. If you need to top it up, use hot water.
Don't touch or move an oil burner when it’s hot.
Make sure there is enough space around incense or oil burners for air to move freely. Don’t burn incense inside closets or other small enclosed spaces.
Avoid open windows or strong breezes nearby so they don't get knocked over.