Earth Hour candle safety

City of Toronto Media Relations has issued the following News Release:

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March 19, 2013

Earth Hour candle safety

 

Toronto residents will join millions of people around the globe by switching lights off to celebrate Earth Hour on Saturday, March 23 at 8:30 p.m.

The City of Toronto reminds everyone to keep fire safety in mind during the lights-out period on Saturday. Many sources of fires are on the decline, but candle fires have increased in recent years. Toronto Fire Services recommends not using candles. Instead, use a battery-powered flashlight when light is needed during Earth Hour.

If candles are used, please follow these fire safety tips:

- Always stay in the room where candles are lit.

- Extinguish all candles when leaving the room.

- Avoid using candles in bedrooms.

- Keep candles at least one metre away from anything that can burn.

- Keep candles, matches and lighters hidden and out of the reach of children.

- Use sturdy candle holders that won’t tip or burn. Consider using a candle holder that encloses the flame in a glass shade or chimney.

- Extinguish candles when they burn to within five centimetres (two inches) of their holder.

- Make sure you have working smoke alarms on every storey of your home.

- Practise your home fire escape plan.

More information about fire safety is available at http://www.toronto.ca/fire/prevention .

Toronto is Canada's largest city and sixth largest government, and home to a diverse population of about 2.8 million people. Toronto's government is dedicated to delivering customer service excellence, creating a transparent and accountable government, reducing the size and cost of government and building a transportation city. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can dial 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

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Media contact: Toronto Fire Services Media Line, 416-338-0763