I don’t burn candles at home except when our power goes out which unfortunately about a once-a-month occurance since we’re on the tail end of the local power grid.  We have our fireplace serviced every couple of years to make sure a build-up of the flammable creosote is kept to a minimum … we should have it cleaned annually, but ince we don’t build regular fires we can get away with it.

When you do build fires, never use gasoline or other accelerants to fuel them, do not throw in paper or cardboard, and make sure nothing flammable is nearby that could burst into flame should a spark jump out.

If you have a gas furnace, it should also be inspected annually both for fire safety and to insure against carbon monoxide poisoning and other dangers.

Make sure you have a working smoke alarm in every room.

Never leave food cooking in the kitchen and have a fire extinguisher on hand in the event of a fire.

Keep lighters, matches, and other flame sources away from children.

And most importantly, always be cognizant of any open flame in the house.  That’s the reason for today’s post.  Because even I can have one careless moment like yesterday at the office.  I had a candle on my desk that I lit because it smells so nice.  A lovely vanilla flavor.  As I shuffled through some papers, I inadvertently put a certificate on top of my burning candle.  I was completely unaware of what I’d done until my friend (who was there working on her own project) said, “Um, Kathy?  You have a little fire there!”

I looked down and sure enough, a mini flame had erupted on my newly earned Short Sale & Foreclosure Resource certificate and congratulatory letter.  With my hands I batted out the little flame and thankfully had a bottle of water within easy reach.  I held it over my waste basket to extinguish the glowing embers.

Here’s what my nice, shiny certificate looks like now.

If it was THAT EASY for something of mine to catch fire, it could easily happen to anyone.  Always be aware of fire dangers in your home (and at your office).  Be careful, my friends.