Flower candles a danger, say fire officials

Ornamental candles with dried flowers encased in the wax may make an attractive piece, but chief fire officer Wayne Bedford would like to see them taken off the shelves.

"They look very pretty but as soon as you light them they are a danger."

A member of the public contacted the Rotorua Fire Service concerned about the amount of flames coming from the flower-encrusted candle she purchased from a variety mart in Rotorua.

The Fire Service bought one and tested it.

Their biggest concern was that the candle didn't burn as a single wick - its entire top was burning off. Bits of rose petals dropped out and burnt on their own away from the candle.

Mr Bedford said if the candle was sitting on a hard surface it would end up burning the surface.

"We will refer it to the Ministry of Commerce with our concerns and ask them to issue a notice to withdraw them from sale."

He was pleased with the store's co-operation on the matter.

"When we approached the owner of the store and raised our concerns they immediately removed them from their shelves."

Mr Bedford said the service was quite often approached by people concerned about faulty items.

He said calls were appreciated and he encouraged the public to let them know so items could be examined and taken to the proper authorities.

Caption: Rotorua fire officials have issued a warning about ornamental candles with dried flowers in the wax, saying they are a fire hazard.

- DAILY POST (ROTORUA)