Candle Safety Awareness Week

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By Liz Tufts

Story Published: Dec 16, 2009 at 11:18 PM EDT

Story Updated: Dec 16, 2009 at 11:18 PM EDT

It could happen to anyone. Placing your candle a little too close to a curtain or any other combustible item could send that item up in flames. A fire can start fast and spread even more quickly.

That is what happened to Natalie Fonseca of Springfield. She and her family lost everything in a fire on Thanksgiving when someone left an unattended candle on a mattress.

"We tried to put it out, but it kept escalating," Fonseca said.

Her home on Hickory Street is now boarded up. The family is forced to stay with friends.

"We worked hard for everything and in a second it's gone, so we are stressed about it," Fonseca said.

That is why fire officials are urging everyone to use common sense and most of all safety when lighting up their next candle.

Last year more than 100 fires were started in Massachusetts by candles. Fourteen people were injured and more than $6 million in damage was done to properties.

With the holiday season upon us, officials say they see a jump in candle fires. Dec. 24 is the day when most of them happen.

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