Texas Accident & Injury News
Review candle safety before the upcoming winter storms.
Children Start House Fire While Playing With Matches, No Injuries Reported
According to a KSAT News report, an East-Side home sustained serious damage in a house fire started by children playing with matches.
SAFD reported the fire started at around 3 p.m. on Tuesday, December 31st, at a home on the 300 block of Clark Avenue near Martin Luther King Drive. Firefighters believe the fire started on the back patio of the home, causing extensive damage to the siding and the first and second stories of the outside back patio of the home. No injuries were reported. Children playing with matches is believed to be what started the fire.
Did You Know?
An average of 20 home fires a day are started by candles.
Candle Fire Safety and Defective Candle Injuries: A Refresher
When winter weather is in full swing, nothing is cozier than a nice candle — especially if the power goes out. However, candles are a leading cause of house fires, and fire safety is especially important during the winter months.
As a refresher, let’s take a look at candle safety and where to get help if you’re injured by a defective candle.
Candle Fire Safety Tips for Kids and Adults
You probably already know this, but:
- Never leave a burning candle unattended
- Don’t use lit candles in bathrooms, bedrooms, or any sleeping areas
- Dispose of a used match by dunking it in water to avoid lighting the trash
- Avoid decorative candles with exposed flames
- Choose candles with contained wax and fully contained flames
- Keep candles at least 3 feet away from flammable objects
With these tips, you can avoid getting rid of candles altogether while reducing your risk of a house fire — that is, as long as your candles are not defective.
How to Tell If a Candle Is Defective
Poor quality or defects in the manufacturing process can lead to dangerous candles, like the recently recalled The Legendary ‘VACATION’ by Vacation Black Label Scented Candles and the Threshold Glass Jar Candles.
- Uneven Flames: If the candle burns unevenly or sputters frequently, it likely has a defective wick.
- Cracking Jars/Containers: If the container cracks or breaks during use, the candle is defective.
- Flame Burns Too High: If the flame becomes unexpectedly large or burns over the rim, the wick is likely defective.
All of these issues pose a serious fire risk and laceration hazard. If you notice any of these defects, immediately stop using the product and return it to the store for a refund.
What If I’m Hurt by a Defective Candle?
If a defective candle starts a house fire, don’t wait — immediately call 9-1-1. Every second counts.
If you’re burned or cut (or both) by a defective candle:
- Seek Medical Attention — Get treatment ASAP and hang on to the receipt. Your health and safety is your top priority.
- Document the Scene — If possible, get photos and/or video of the candle and your injuries, as well as any property damage it may have caused.
- Gather Evidence — Find receipts and the packaging of the candle if you still have them, and keep them in a safe place for your records.
- Contact the Manufacturer — Report the defect to the manufacturer and record the conversation for your records.
- Contact an Attorney
Whether or not the candle was recalled, you could be entitled to compensation for an injury caused by a defective candle.
Injured by a Defective Candle in Texas? Call Shaw!
If you were injured by a defective candle anywhere in Texas, you could be entitled to compensation for things like:
- Ambulance Costs,
- ER Treatment,
- Surgeries,
- Disfigurement,
- Property Damage,
- Pain and Suffering,
- Trauma/PTSD,
- Missed Work,
- And More.
We’ll help you find out if you have a case for free.
Call Shaw at 800-862-1260 to schedule a free case evaluation with a product liability lawyer. No fees, no obligations, just the expert legal advice you need. Carabin Shaw has been a trusted name in San Antonio and across Texas for over 32 years because we put our clients first. We look forward to serving you.