As the festive season approaches, a stark warning has been issued to UK households about the hidden dangers of cosy candles. New data from insurer Aviva reveals that the average home insurance claim for a fire caused by a candle exceeds a staggering £25,000.
December: The Peak Season for Candle Fires
Analysing claims from 2021 to 2024, Aviva found that incidents involving candles peak dramatically during December. The insurer states that candles are responsible for a significant 15% of all fire claims in this month alone, far outpacing other common causes like chimneys and fireplaces, which account for 6%.
The data paints a worrying picture of how quickly festive cheer can turn to devastation. Real-life claims handled by Aviva include a candle igniting a Christmas tree branch, an advent wreath's foliage catching fire, and wrapping paper flames ruining a newly fitted carpet. In one case, a Christmas card placed too close to a tealight accidentally set alight, while in another, a candle left unattended on a fireplace during Christmas dinner led to a serious fire.
Expert Advice for a Safer Festive Season
Hannah Davidson, senior underwriting manager for home and lifestyle at Aviva, commented on the findings. "As more of us spend time indoors in the winter months, it's tempting to light candles and tealights to add to the cosiness of the longer evenings," she said. "However, our claims data shows several cases where wrapping paper, Christmas trees, and cards caught fire due to candles being placed too close."
Davidson emphasised that fires can spread with alarming speed, especially amidst festive decorations and flammable items, sometimes causing extensive damage to an entire property. "Never leave candles unattended – even if you're only stepping away from the room briefly," she urged.
Essential Fire Prevention Tips
To help households enjoy a safe celebration, Aviva has shared crucial safety guidance:
- Choose flameless alternatives: Opt for battery-powered LED candles or lights, especially near dry Christmas trees.
- Never leave burning candles alone: Always extinguish candles before leaving a room and follow the manufacturer's guidelines on burn time.
- Position with care: Place candles on sturdy, non-flammable surfaces, well away from decorations, curtains, and draughty areas.
- Keep out of reach: Ensure candles, matches, and lighters are inaccessible to children and pets.
- Maintain your home: Check that Christmas lights are in good working order, avoid overloading sockets, and ensure chimneys are properly swept.
- Prioritise detection: Test your smoke alarms and consider investing in fire safety equipment like blankets and extinguishers.
With the average claim well over £25,000, this advice serves as a powerful reminder to spread festive cheer safely, not fire.
