Home fires caused by candles occur at twice the monthly average in December. Peak days are: Christmas Day Christmas Eve. Safety tips for using candles include: Always stay in the room where candles are being burned. Keep lit candles at least one foot away from anything that can burn. Keep candles away from children. Use sturdy candle holders that won't tip or burn. (Watch for combustible decorations that may surround the candle holder.) Burn candles on sturdy uncluttered surfaces. Keep lit candles at least one foot away from curtains, mattresses and other combustibles. Trim candle wicks to 1/4 inch before lighting. Extinguish candles when they are within two inches of their holders.