Reference guide
Candle Safety Statistics and Facts
A practical collection of cited U.S. figures on candle safety and seasonality, for writers, shoppers, and anyone who wants the context behind a calm glow.
Last updated October 5, 2026
At a glance
The numbers worth keeping close.
These figures bring together recent fire-safety estimates and seasonal sales context from public, named sources. Each statistic links directly to the publication behind it.
5,830
U.S. home fires each year
Candles started an estimated annual average of 5,830 home fires between 2019 and 2023.
Source: NFPA, Home Fire Victims by Age and Gender, 2019–2023 data70
civilian deaths each year
The same 2019–2023 estimate attributes an annual average of 70 civilian deaths to candle-started home fires.
Source: NFPA, Home Fire Victims by Age and Gender, 2019–2023 data570
civilian injuries each year
Candle-started home fires caused an estimated annual average of 570 civilian injuries from 2019 through 2023.
Source: NFPA, Home Fire Victims by Age and Gender, 2019–2023 data61%
of fatal candle-fire victims were 55 or older
Across the 2019–2023 period, three out of five people who died in candle fires were at least 55 years old.
Source: NFPA, Home Fire Victims by Age and Gender, 2019–2023 data35%
of candle sales occur during winter holidays
The U.S. Census Bureau reports the National Candle Association’s estimate that about 35% of candle sales occur during the winter holiday season, while nonseasonal business accounts for about 65%.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, December 202411%
of reported candle fires occurred in December
In NFPA’s 2014–2018 analysis, December was the peak month for candle fires. January also accounted for 11% of reported incidents.
Source: NFPA, Candle Fires, published May 2020A little context
What the numbers point to.
Fire safety matters most in the quiet, ordinary moments. The National Fire Protection Association’s 2014–2018 analysis found that 60% of candle fires started when something that could burn was too close to the candle, and 16% involved candles that were unattended.
Keep an open flame away from curtains, bedding, decorations, and other combustible items. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission also advises never leaving a burning candle unattended. For a simple at-home routine, see our candle care guide.
Read the NFPA candle-fire analysisMethodology and sources
How to use this page.
Figures are presented as reported by their original source, with the source date and the data period shown beside each statistic. NFPA’s national fire estimates are based on reports to U.S. local fire departments, its annual fire department experience survey, and the U.S. Fire Administration’s incident-reporting data. Sales seasonality is reported by the U.S. Census Bureau and attributed there to the National Candle Association.
- National Fire Protection Association: Home Fire Victims by Age and Gender, using 2019–2023 data
- National Fire Protection Association: Candle Fires, published May 2020, using 2014–2018 data
- U.S. Census Bureau: Spreading Holiday Cheer With Fun Statistics on Seasonal Goods and Activities, December 2024
- U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission: candle safety guidance, October 2022
Cite this page
Gracie Moo Candles. “Candle Safety Statistics and Facts.” Updated October 5, 2026. https://graciemoocandles.com/candle-statistics