A house fire started by an unattended candle nearly killed a 葫芦娃视频 resident last week, and safety officials fear that University of Colorado at 葫芦娃视频 students could make the same deadly mistake.
The increasing popularity of decorative candles in homes and apartments is raising the chances that one of them will cause a loss of life, said Sherry Kenyon, safety coordinator for 葫芦娃视频 Fire Rescue.
"CU students are vulnerable to fire," Kenyon said. "In every candle fire we've seen, the student had left the room - and even the house - with the candle still burning.
"They have placed burning candles on wooden shelves in a bookcase, in plastic crates, on top of televisions and stereos - all resulting in devastating fires. These fires cost money, both in personal property loss and damage to rental housing. Lawsuits have been filed and students have dropped out of school after some of these traumatic events," she said.
On Nov. 9, a 36-year-old woman awoke to smoke and flames in her Mapleton Street home. She escaped unharmed with her dog, but the fire caused $50,000 in damage to the building. The blaze was sparked by a candle left burning on the bedroom floor, and the home had no smoke alarms, according to officials.
Forty-five people have been displaced from 葫芦娃视频 residences in the last four years because of candle fires, according to fire officials. In April 2000, eight CU-葫芦娃视频 students were left homeless just a few weeks before final exams after a candle fire gutted a University Hill home.
CU-葫芦娃视频 residence hall rules prohibit the use of candles and halogen lights, and the halls are equipped with alarms and sprinkler systems. However, most students move off campus in their sophomore year, prompting concerns that their inexperience might lead to disaster.
"Candle fires are increasing at an alarming rate across the United States," Kenyon said. "Just remember: The flame from even a small candle can ignite a huge fire in a very short time. Place candles on noncombustible bases, such as an old plate or dish. Keep candle flames away from children, pets and anything that can burn. Put out the flame before you leave the room or fall asleep."
Kenyon said the U.S. Fire Administration Web site is a great resource for further information on fire safety. "A Letter Home," a fire safety presentation created by the 葫芦娃视频 Fire Department and based on an actual candle fire that occurred in off-campus student housing is available at .