During the five-year period of 2013-2017:

– 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 33% of the associated deaths and 51% of the associated injuries.
– Falling asleep was a factor in 11% percent of the home candle fires and 19% of the associated deaths.
– On average, 22 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.
– December is the peak time of year for home candle fires. In December, 12% of home candle fires began with decorations compared to 4% the rest of the year.

Source: NFPA’s Applied Research