Firefighters in Bristol are warning people not to try to heat their homes using social media ‘life hacks’ involving candles and plant pots, after they were called to a fire over the weekend at a house in the city.
Firefighters from Kingswood and the Hicks Gate fire station were called to the blaze in the east of the city which is believed to be caused by unattended candles, and now fire chiefs have slammed TikTok and Pinterest ‘life hack’ videos which claim people can heat a room using just one tealight placed in a series of ceramic or terracotta pots.
Ben Thompson, the temporary group manager for risk reduction at Avon Fire and Rescue, said the social media ‘life hack’ is dangerous. “As winter approaches, and cold nights draw in, many of us are opting to light candles,” a fire brigade spokesperson said.
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“Whether it be for autumnal ambiance, or to keep cosy and warm, candles can provide a seasonal glow and help us decorate our homes. However, social media platforms such as TikTok and Pinterest have become increasingly full of ‘life hacks’ which are encouraging people to use candles dangerously or leave them unattended.
"Over the past weekend (22-23 October), firefighters from Kingswood and Hicks Gate attended a fire which is thought to have been caused by unattended candles". The call out to the fire in east Bristol over the weekend ended with ‘minimal harm’ to the people in the home, but Mr Thompson said people needed to be very careful.
Mr Thompson said: “This was an unfortunate incident which thankfully ended with minimal harm to the occupants of the property. Social media and so called ‘life hacks’ are encouraging people to create heating devices using household items such as plant pots and candles. These are dangerous, unregulated, and are liable to cause damage and injury.
“Candles should only be used according to the manufacturer’s instructions and using them in different ways can result in nasty accidents. If you’re lighting candles at home, fill out our free Home Fire Safety Checker tool to get personalised safety advice.”
Here is what AF&RS say about lighting candles at home:
- Never leave burning candles unattended.
- Place your candles carefully. Make sure they are on a stable surface, out of the reach of pets and children, and keep them away from flammable objects like curtains, furniture, bedding and books.
- Don’t move candles once they are lit.
- Do not burn several candles close together as this might cause the flame to flare.
- Burn candles in a well-ventilated room, out of draughts, vents or air currents. This will help prevent rapid or uneven burning, soot, and dripping.
- Always put scented candles in a heat resistant holder. These candles are designed to liquefy when heated to maximise fragrance.
- Fit a smoke alarm and test it regularly. A working smoke alarm can buy you valuable time to get out, stay out and call 999.
- Make sure that everyone in your home knows what to do if a fire should occur - practise your escape route.
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