The National Fire Protection Association has announced that “Use Candles with Care” will be the theme for Fire Prevention Week, Oct. 9-15.

Over the last decade, candle fires have tripled, according to the NFPA.

In 2001 alone, an estimated 18,000 home fires started by candles were reported to fire departments, an all time high. These fires resulted in 190 deaths, 1,450 injuries and an estimated property loss of $265 million. For official FPW materials, see www.nfpa.org/