Candlelight in Advent "Always a certain risk of fire"
Created: 12/16/2022, 06:30 am
By: Felicitas Bogner
Even more dangerous than Christmas candle arrangements are alternative heating methods such as tea light ovens: several tea lights next to each other can cause a wax fire.
© Benjamin Nolte
The spokesman for the district fire inspection, Stefan Kießkalt, talks in an interview about the risks of Advent wreaths, tea light ovens and the like.
Bad Tölz-Wolfratshausen
- The staade time has begun.
In the living rooms in the Tölzer Land, the candles light up on the Advent wreaths and other Christmas decorations.
But in addition to comfort and a contemplative atmosphere, candlelight also harbors a potential for danger.
Stefan Kießkalt, spokesman for the district fire inspection, appeals to be extremely careful with candles and the like, despite the contemplative Christmas spirit.
Mr. Kießkalt, now in Advent, numerous candles are burning on the Advent wreaths in the living rooms. Is this dangerous?
Candles and open flames always pose some fire hazard. It's important to keep that in mind when dealing with them.
All we can do is warn people with the usual advice.
Stefan Kießkalt is spokesman for the district fire inspection.
© Sabine Hermsdorf-Hiss
What should you consider?
It is important not to light candles near Advent arrangements that are too dry.
The Advent wreath should always stand firmly and securely on a fireproof base.
If something happens then, maybe at least the whole wooden table won't be on fire.
In addition, you should always have something to extinguish within reach and of course never leave the candles burning unattended.
Place the Advent wreath on a fireproof surface
So do you need a fire extinguisher next to the Advent wreath?
It doesn't necessarily have to be a fire extinguisher.
But once candles are lit, it would be good to have at least a bucket of water or a spray bottle to extinguish.
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Are there an above-average number of fire incidents here during Advent?
Unfortunately, it happens again and again that fires break out due to candles.
And that happens to be the most common in December, when most people light candles.
However, one cannot usually speak of a noticeably above-average amount of use.
Many people are currently heating with wood. Can it be assumed that this could lead to increased room fires in winter?
So far we have not been able to observe this.
But we are prepared for every situation.
Warning about alternative heating methods
If you don't have a wood-burning stove, look around for cheaper methods given the current energy prices. What dangers do tealight stoves or ethanol fireplaces pose, for example?
I can only advise everyone against all alternative heating methods.
They are dangerous and usually do not bring the desired effect.
With all these ideas - like putting patio heaters indoors - along with the risk of fire, there is also the risk of - potentially fatal - carbon monoxide poisoning.
On the subject of tea light ovens: firstly, they are not effective, secondly, there is a risk of dangerous wax burning if several tea lights are placed together.
What specifically makes wax firing so dangerous?
It's like oil fires.
Putting out a wax fire with water causes a flash of fire, similar to a grease explosion.
The jet of flame can accelerate the fire and, above all, poses an immense risk of injury to people.
What is the right way to behave in the event of a wax fire?
Under no circumstances should you try to fight the flames with water.
At best, you should smother the fire with a fire blanket or a lid.
In such a case, you can always call the fire brigade emergency number, i.e. 112.
Here you can get help by phone, and someone will be there quickly if you can't get the flames under control on your own.
But as I said, it's best to stay away from alternative heating methods.
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