Valentine’s Day is about love, connection, and creating a warm atmosphere at home. Candles, soft lighting, and cozy dinners are part of the tradition. But, if a candle falls and your date becomes a mess, here’s what you need to know.
Every year during the holiday season, hundreds of Americans experience house fires. And Valentine’s Day isn’t the exception. At Restore-It, we’ve seen how a romantic evening can quickly turn into smoke damage, soot contamination, or even a full fire loss.
With over 10 years of expertise, we have seen what a small unattended flame can cause. And we are here to teach you how to avoid it.
Today, you’re going to learn about how a minor oversight can lead to serious damage. We’ll talk about the risks of having an unsupervised open flame and safer ways to celebrate a special holiday. Let’s start!
Why Candles Are a Bigger Fire Risk Than Most People Think
Candles may look harmless, but they are open flames that can ignite anything that burns.
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), candles are still a common cause of home fires. Their research states that, from 2020 to 2024:
- Candles caused 2% of reported home fires and 2% of home fire deaths
- They accounted for 5% of home fire injuries and 3% of direct property damage
- Fire departments responded to an average of 5,894 candle-related home fires each year
- These fires resulted in 63 civilian deaths, 532 injuries, and $286 million in annual property damage
The injury rate for candle fires is nearly three times higher than for other home fire causes. This matters on Valentine’s Day because over half of candle fires start when flammable items are too close to the flame. Curtains, bedding, furniture, flowers, and decorations are common ignition sources.
Bedrooms are especially vulnerable. Thirty-six percent of candle fires begin in bedrooms, and sleep is a factor in more than one-third of candle-related fire deaths. Late nights, low lighting, and distractions all increase the risk.
Valentine’s Day Cooking Fire Risk (And How to Prevent Them)
While candles are a major concern on Valentine’s Day, cooking remains the leading cause of home fires and fire injuries year-round, according to the NFPA. Nearly 49% of residential fires involve cooking equipment. Unattended cooking plays a role in 29% of these fires and nearly half of the related deaths.
If you’re preparing a special Valentine’s Day meal, follow these safety steps:
- Stay in the kitchen when frying, grilling, or broiling food
- Keep a three-foot area around the stove that is free of children and pets
- Set a timer to remind you that you’re cooking
Staying present in the kitchen can prevent a momentary distraction from becoming a lasting emergency.
Candle Safety Tips For a Safe Valentine’s Date
If you choose to use real candles, the National Candle Association (NCA) offers practical tips to reduce fire risk.
Before You Light a Candle
- To ensure a controlled flame and reduce soot accumulation, trim the wick to approximately a quarter inch.
- Set candles on flat, heat-safe surfaces where they can’t be knocked over.
- Make sure nothing flammable is nearby, including décor, paper, or fabrics.
- Keep candles away from airflow caused by windows, fans, or vents.
- Place candles where children and pets can’t reach them.
While the Candle Is Burning
- Never leave a candle burning without supervision, even for a short time.
- Keep candles at least one foot away from curtains, bedding, and decorations.
- Avoid picking up or moving candles while the wax is still hot or melted.
- Use solid, well-balanced holders designed to keep candles upright.
Putting out a Candle Safely
- Extinguish flames using a snuffer or by blowing gently; never pour water on hot wax.
- Check the wick to confirm the flame is completely out.
- Let the candle cool fully before touching or relocating it.
Safer Ways to Set the Valentine’s Day Mood
While candles are a classic in Hallmark movies, romance doesn’t need to put your house in danger. If you want the ambiance without the risks, consider these safer alternatives:
- Flameless or LED candles
- Roses or floral centerpieces instead of open flames
- Battery-powered string lights
- Scented diffusers instead of burning candles
Fire safety experts often suggest flameless options, particularly in areas where people may fall asleep or leave the room.
When the Fire Goes Out, the Damage Continues
If the worst happens, you need to call the firefighters. Our own El Dorado Fire Department can put out a fire quickly, but that doesn’t mean the smoke and soot have stopped spreading.
The Hidden Danger of Soot
After a fire, soot remains behind, and it’s highly acidic. If not cleaned quickly and properly, it can cause permanent damage.
If soot and smoke residue are left untreated:
- Electronics may fail weeks or months later
- Metal components can corrode from the inside
- Smoke odors can become permanently embedded
Smoke doesn’t stay in one place. It travels through hallways, settles inside closets, and spreads through your ventilation system. Over time, it also weakens fabrics, causing stains and stubborn odors in clothing, furniture, and bedding.
Why DIY Cleanup Can Make Things Worse
Cleaning smoke or soot damage on your own often creates more problems. This is because improper cleaning methods can:
- Spread soot deeper into the surfaces.
- Permanently lock in odors through incorrect deodorization.
Fire restoration requires specialized equipment, controlled cleaning environments, and proven processes. If you’d like to know more about why DIY fire damage restoration is a bad idea, click below.
Save Your Valentine’s Day With Professional Fire Damage Restoration
Professionals use specialized cleaning stations to remove soot and neutralize acidic residues. Restoration companies use industrial-grade specialized machines, such as the Esporta Washing System.
Unlike traditional washing machines that rely on agitation, the Esporta system uses patented hydraulic action. This process pushes cleaning solutions through fabrics while they stay in place, reducing wear and damage.
- Up to an 85% recovery rate for items often considered a total loss, including shoes, leather goods, and stuffed animals
- Food-grade clean, proven to remove 99.9997% of contaminants, including heavy smoke and soot
- Eco-friendly process using green cleaning agents and up to 35% less water than traditional washing
The sooner restoration begins, the more you can save!
Don’t Let a Candle Break Your Heart This Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day should be remembered for love, not loss. By understanding candle and cooking risks and by taking simple safety steps, you can better protect your home and the people you care about.
If the unexpected happens, you don’t have to face it alone. Restore-It is available 24/7, 365 days a year, to help you recover quickly and safely.
Do you have any doubts about our fire damage restoration process? Read more about how our billing works in the article below.
Don’t let a candle extinguish your Valentine’s. If you’ve experienced fire or smoke damage, contact Restore-It for a professional inspection. We specialize in protecting what matters most, when it matters most.
