Des Moines, IA – As fall decorations and pumpkin-scented candles return to Iowa homes, state officials are warning residents to practice extra caution to prevent fires this season.
According to the Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM), candle-related fires increase each autumn as people decorate for holidays. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that roughly 20 home candle fires occur every day nationwide.
Officials are reminding residents to follow two key safety steps:
- Keep all holiday decorations away from open flames, including candles, fireplaces, and lanterns.
- Extinguish all candles before leaving a room or going to sleep.
“Simple precautions like blowing out a candle or moving decorations can make the difference between a cozy evening and a dangerous fire,” the agency said in a safety release.
More candle safety tips and fire prevention information are available at nfpa.org/candles.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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