estimated home structure fires a year
U.S. fire departments responded to this annual average in 2020–2024 when candles were the heat source.
Source: NFPA, 2020–2024Candle Safety & Scent Statistics in the U.S.
Current, clearly sourced figures for writers, retailers, and anyone making more informed choices about candles at home.
Last updated November 4, 2026
At a glance
The numbers behind a thoughtful candle ritual.
Most of these figures come from the National Fire Protection Association’s latest five-year U.S. estimate, covering 2020 through 2024. The fragrance figure comes from the National Candle Association. Each statistic is linked to its source so it is easy to check and cite.
civilian deaths a year
That was the annual average associated with home structure fires where candles were the heat source, 2020–2024.
Source: NFPA, 2020–2024civilian injuries a year
This annual average comes from the same 2020–2024 U.S. home structure fire data.
Source: NFPA, 2020–2024in direct property damage a year
Estimated annual direct property damage from U.S. home structure fires where candles were the heat source, 2020–2024.
Source: NFPA, 2020–2024of candle fires began with combustibles too close
Furniture, bedding, curtains, decorations, paper, clothing, and other flammables were too close to the candle.
Source: NFPA, 2020–2024involved a candle left unattended, discarded, or misused
A reminder that a candle needs attention from first light until it is fully extinguished.
Source: NFPA, 2020–2024of home candle fires began in bedrooms
The bedroom was the most common room of origin in the 2020–2024 data.
Source: NFPA, 2020–2024of candles sold in the U.S. are scented
Fragrance is a defining part of how Americans choose and enjoy candles.
Source: National Candle Association, accessed 2026What this means at home
Make space for the glow, and for safety.
The same small habits that make a candle ritual feel unhurried also make it safer: place it on a sturdy, uncluttered surface, keep it at least one foot from anything that can burn, and blow it out when you leave the room or go to sleep.
Read our candle care guideBuilt for clear, careful citation.
This page uses public sources that name their data period. Fire statistics are national estimates from U.S. fire department reporting and NFPA research. Scent data is an industry estimate from the National Candle Association. We will refresh this page when a key source publishes newer figures.
- National Fire Protection Association, “Safety with candles.” Published figures cover annual averages for 2020–2024 and were accessed November 4, 2026.
- National Candle Association, “Elements of a Candle.” The page states that an estimated 75–80% of candles sold in the U.S. are scented, accessed November 4, 2026.
Cite this page
Noble Candle Collective. “Candle Safety & Scent Statistics in the U.S.” Updated November 4, 2026. https://noblecandlecollective.com/candle-statistics
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