City of Reno recently issued the following announcement.
On Thursday, January 6, 2022, at approximately 10:21 a.m., the Reno Fire Department responded to a structure fire at 3260 Lymberry Street. The fire was contained to the living room. Two dogs were home at the time of the fire. One of the dogs got out safely, and firefighters revived the other dog, which was transported for further medical evaluation by Washoe County Animal Services.
Fire investigators determined that the fire started from an unattended candle that ignited holiday decorations that were in close proximity. The occupant was not home at the time of the fire.
“This is a good reminder to clean up those holiday decorations and make sure candles are always away from combustibles and attended when lit,” says Tray Palmer, Fire Marshal for the Reno Fire Department.
The National Fire Protection Association reports that during the five-year period of 2015-2019:
Candles caused 2% of reported home fires, 3% of home fire deaths, 6% of home fire injuries and 4% of the direct property damage in home fires.
Roughly one-third (37%) of home candle fires started in bedrooms. These fires caused 35% of the associated deaths and 47% of the associated injuries.
Falling asleep was a factor in 10% percent of the home candle fires and 12% of the associated deaths.
On average, 20 home candle fires were reported per day.
Three of every five (60%) of home candle fires occurred when some form of combustible material was left or came too close to the candle.
Candle fires peak in December and January with 11 percent of candles fires in each of these months.
More information can be found at the National Fire Protection Association website: nfpa.org
Original source can be found here.
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