Fire damage caused by candles usually costs over £25,000 to repair, according to an insurer urging caution during Christmas. Aviva, analysing home insurance claims from 2021 to 2024, identified December as the peak month for candle-related fires, with average claims surpassing £25,000.
Aviva’s data suggests that candles are responsible for approximately 15% of fire claims during December, while chimneys and fireplaces account for 6%. Examples of candle-related claims the insurer has dealt with include a candle catching the branch of a Christmas tree, and in another case, a fire spreading in a home due to the foliage of an Advent wreath catching fire.
Unattended Christmas candles setting nearby items and decorations on fire, as well as wrapping paper catching fire, including one case that ruined a newly fitted carpet, were also among the claims.
Beyond this, the insurer pointed out incidents where Christmas cards accidentally caught fire due to tealights being left close by. In another instance, a claim was made after an unattended candle on a fireplace during a Christmas dinner caused a fire.
Hannah Davidson, senior underwriting manager, home and lifestyle at Aviva, said: “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. However, our claims data shows several cases where wrapping paper, Christmas trees, and cards caught fire due to candles being placed too close.
“Before lighting a candle, take a moment to consider where it’s placed and how long it will be burning. Never leave candles unattended either – even if you’re only stepping away from the room briefly. Although candles can help create a cosy, festive atmosphere, if not used with care, they can quickly become a serious fire hazard.
“Fires can spread very quickly – especially when there are lots of decorations or flammable items nearby, and in some cases can cause extensive damage to the entire home. With the average candle-related fire claim being well over £25,000, it’s a strong reminder to enjoy the season safely, making sure you’re spreading festive cheer and not a potential fire.”
Tips from Aviva for preventing fires:
1. Replace traditional candles with battery-operated LED alternatives or torches. This is especially crucial near potentially dry Christmas trees, which pose a significant fire risk.
2. Should you opt for traditional candles, ensure they are never left burning without supervision, especially indoors. Avoid allowing candles to burn completely down, and always adhere to the manufacturer’s recommended burn time instructions.
3. Ensure candles are placed on sturdy, non-flammable surfaces, well away from decorations and soft furnishings such as curtains.
4. Keep candles out of harm’s way to prevent accidental knockovers or contact with flammable items. This includes avoiding placement near windows and draughty areas, as air movement can blow flames towards flammable objects and can topple lightweight items over.
5. Keep candles – along with matches and lighters – well out of the reach of children and pets, and maintain a close watch on them to avoid any accidents.
6. Ensure your Christmas lights are in good working condition and that they are switched off when unattended. Remember not to overload electrical sockets too.
7. Verify your smoke alarms are functioning properly and consider investing in fire safety equipment such as blankets and extinguishers.
8. Monitor fireplaces and maintain chimneys. Aviva’s claims data includes multiple incidents where embers from fireplaces or structural issues with chimneys have caused fires. Keep a close eye on any open flames and ensure chimneys are properly swept, particularly during the festive season.
