Skip to main content
Freedom 250
Countdown to America's 250th Anniversary: /

Halloween Candle Holders May Present Fire Hazard

Release Date: October 27, 1993

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) warns consumers that decorative Halloween candle holders can cause fires. CPSC received reports of several fires caused by Halloween candle holders of various designs.

A fire can start after a small candle, such as a tealight or votive candle, is placed inside a ceramic or porcelain holder in the shape of a Halloween character, such as a Jack O'Lantern. The candle can generate too much heat, and flames can shoot out several inches from the candle holder. This could result in burn injuries and property damage.

CPSC warns consumers to take the following precautions when using candle holders of any design:

-Place the candle holder in a clear and open area free from drafts or flammable materials.

-Never leave a burning candle unattended.

-If the unit should flare-up, smother the flames with a wet cloth. Do not throw water on the flame.

CPSC is providing this notice as a part of its mission to protect the public from unreasonable risks of injury and death associated with consumer products. The Commission's objective is to reduce the estimated 28.6 million injuries and 21,700 deaths associated each year with the 15,000 different types of consumer products under CPSC's jurisdiction.

Release Number
94-008

About the U.S. CPSC
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risk of injury associated with the use of thousands of types of consumer products. Deaths, injuries, and property damage from consumer product-related incidents cost the nation more than $1 trillion annually. Since the CPSC was established more than 50 years ago, it has worked to ensure the safety of consumer products, which has contributed to a decline in injuries associated with these products. 

Federal law prohibits any person from selling products subject to a Commission ordered recall or a voluntary recall undertaken in consultation with the CPSC.

For lifesaving information:

Media Contact

Please use the below phone number for all media requests.

Phone: (301) 504-7908
Spanish: (301) 504-7800

View CPSC contacts for specific areas of expertise

Report an unsafe product