Ernie Clark. Hilperton Division, Wiltshire Council.

Trust WCC to put a dampener on Christmas.
'Christmas is coming and candles will undoubtedly form an integral part of seasonal decorations in households up and down the county. But just how safe are those candles on sale in the local high street?

Safety standards, published in 2007 by the British Standards Institution, laid down specifications for fire safety and also safety labelling which should accompany all candles on sale.

Trading standards officers in the west of England carried out a survey into the safety of candles in the run-up to Christmas and found some disappointing results.

Of the 37 candles tested, nine failed the tests for safety as required by the British Standard. This ranged from excessive flame height, instability of the candle which could easily fall over and ignite other materials, and secondary ignition where additional flames are formed apart from the wick. Despite specific requirements for safety warnings and labelling, 35 of the 37 tested failed to conform to these requirements and in some instances bore no safety warnings at all.

Wiltshire County Council trading standards manager, Steve Clover, said: “These results are very disappointing. Statistics show 14 people were killed and 654 people injured in house fires started by candles across the UK in 2005. 1700 accidental fires involved the use of candles. We now have specific standards to assess the safety of candles yet manufacturers seem unwilling to comply with them.

“Candle sales will continue to increase, despite the credit crunch, and these accident statistics will continue unless people are educated as to the dangers of candles and the damage they can cause.

“Some of the candles tested have the potential to cause a Christmas tragedy and we are urging Wiltshire residents to take great care when using candles. This is the time of year when candles are placed in decorative displays which could themselves be a fire hazard.

“I would urge people not to let them or their family become another accident statistic.” '