From 2009-13, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated 9,300 home structure fires that were started by candles. These fires caused 86 deaths, 827 injuries and $374 million in direct property damage.

• Candles caused 3 percent of reported home fires, 3 percent of home fire deaths, 6 percent of home fire injuries, and 5 percent of the direct property damage in home fires.

•Roughly one-third (36 percent) of home candle fires started in bedrooms. These fires caused 32 percent of the associated deaths and 47 percent of the associated injuries.

•Falling asleep was a factor in 11 percent of the home candle fires and 30 percent of the associated deaths.

•On average, 25 home candle fires were reported per day. •December is the peak time of year for home candle fires. In December, 11 percent of home candle fires began with decorations compared to 4 percent the rest of the year.

•The top three days for home candle fires are New Year’s Day, Christmas and New Year’s Eve.

• Safety tip: Keep candles at least 12 inches from anything that can burn.

Check the tree

• Electrical distribution or lighting equipment was involved in two out of every five (40 percent) home Christmas tree fires.

•More than one-third (37 percent) of home Christmas tree fires started in the living room, family room, or den. All of the fatalities and roughly three-quarters (72 percent) of the injuries resulted from fires started in this area.

• Replace any string of lights that has worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. These can easily start a fire.

• Always keep water in the tree stand. Check daily and add water as needed. Dried-out trees are a major fire hazard.

Smoke alarms

• A closed door may slow the spread of smoke, heat and fire. Install smoke alarms in every sleeping room and outside each separate sleeping area. Install alarms on every level of the home.

• Smoke alarms should be interconnected. When one sounds, they all sound.

• Test your smoke alarms at least once a month. Press the test button to be sure the alarm is working.

• There are two kinds of alarms. Ionization smoke alarms are quicker to warn about flaming fires. Photoelectric alarms are quicker to warn about smoldering fires. It is best to use of both types of alarms in the home.

• When a smoke alarm sounds, get outside and stay outside.

• Replace all smoke alarms in your home every 10 years.

— National Fire Protection Association