Estimated home fires per year
U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated annual average of 5,894 home structure fires where candles were the heat source during 2020 to 2024.
NFPA, 2020 to 2024 dataA public reference from Aroma Delights
U.S. candle safety and seasonal sales statistics.
Current figures for writers, shoppers and anyone looking for clear, source-backed context around candles in the home.
Last updated October 28, 2026
At a glance
What the latest data says.
These statistics bring together the most recent public candle-fire figures from the National Fire Protection Association and seasonal sales context published by the U.S. Census Bureau. Each number links to the original source so it can be checked and cited in context.
Candle safety
Candle fire statistics in the United States.
NFPA’s current five-year figures cover the 2020 to 2024 period.
Civilian deaths per year
Those candle-related home fires caused an estimated annual average of 63 civilian deaths in the same period.
NFPA, 2020 to 2024 dataCivilian injuries per year
The same fires caused an estimated annual average of 532 civilian injuries.
NFPA, 2020 to 2024 dataProperty damage per year
NFPA estimates $286 million in direct property damage annually from home structure fires where candles were the heat source.
NFPA, 2020 to 2024 dataInjuries per 1,000 reported fires
The injury rate for reported candle fires was nearly three times the rate for all home structure fire causes.
NFPA, 2020 to 2024 dataStarted with decor too close
More than half of candle fires began when flammable decor, furniture, bedding, paper, clothing or another combustible item was too close to the candle.
NFPA, 2020 to 2024 dataInvolved misuse or inattention
In 21% of home structure candle fires, the candle was left unattended, discarded or otherwise misused.
NFPA, 2020 to 2024 dataStarted in a bedroom
More than one-third of candle fires began in the bedroom, according to NFPA’s 2020 to 2024 data.
NFPA, 2020 to 2024 dataSeasonal sales contextAbout 35% $1.04B
Winter remains a meaningful candle-selling season.
of candle sales occur during the winter holiday season, according to the National Candle Association figure cited by the U.S. Census Bureau in December 2024.
U.S. Census Bureau, 2024was the value of U.S. imports of candles, tapers and similar products in 2023, as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau.
U.S. Census Bureau, 2024A simple safety habit
Explore home fragranceFragrance should feel like a comfort, not a worry.
Keep lit candles away from anything that can burn, and blow them out whenever you leave the room or go to sleep. For other ways to bring fragrance into your space, explore Aroma Delights’ home collection.
How to read this page.
The safety figures on this page are national estimates published by the National Fire Protection Association for the five-year period from 2020 through 2024. The seasonal sales figures are U.S. Census Bureau publications released in 2024, using the years stated next to each statistic.
Statistics are updated when a primary source releases newer material. Last reviewed October 28, 2026.
Cite this page
Aroma Delights. “U.S. Candle Safety and Seasonal Sales Statistics.” Updated October 28, 2026. https://aromadelightsllc.com/candle-safety-statistics