Candles and open fires are an increasing cause of fire. Every year, people are killed and injured needlessly, 
and over the past few months, there have been several instances where young children across the West Midlands have suffered terrible burns.
One of the major fire risks for children in the home is where clothes catch fire from unguarded fires and candles - so when buying clothing for children - make sure, particularly bedtime clothes such as pyjamas are made of material that cannot catch fire easily.
If you have an open fire at home, make sure you have a childproof fireguard. Never use this for drying clothes on as this can itself create a fire risk.
Portable heaters should be kept a safe distance from clothes, curtains and furniture and placed where they cannot be knocked over.
Candles mark special occasions and create a special atmosphere. They also bring fire into your home. So treat them carefully.
For more information regarding candle safety dowload the leaflet and poster below.
