EH&S: Fire Safety: Candles, etc.

Candles, Lanterns and Incense

The use of candles, lanterns, tiki lamps etc. for ambiance or mood purposes can be extremely hazardous and is strictly prohibited. For specific requirements relating to UR housing, please refer to “Use of Candles, Lanterns and Incense in UR Housing”. Some recognized religious ceremonies or festivals in which candles play a significant role, such as the Jewish Festival of Lights or Christmas, require the presence of candles. Exceptions are made for these recognized religious or festive uses of open flames with permission from the University Fire Marshal.

The following recommended guideline address the issues related to open flames, candles, lanterns, etc.:

Use of Candles

The use of candles is prohibited in Strong Memorial Hospital, the Medical Center, Memorial Art Gallery, any Eastman building, the University’s academic buildings, residence halls or in any university housing except in conjunction with recognized religious activities. The use of candles may be used in areas of public assembly such as dining rooms and the chapel. The use of candles may be approved in compliance with the following conditions:

To obtain permission for candle for recognized religious purposes, requests must be submitted at least 72 hours in advance of the requested date to the Office of Fire Marshal. Approval will be granted for specific dates and locations only.
Candles must be under constant supervision and may not be left unattended while burning.
Candles must be of a low flame variety and must be placed in a properly fitting menorah or in a sturdy, non-combustible container. All devices must be self extinguishing when tipped over, return to an upright position after being tilted to a 45° angle and prevent leakage of more than 1/4 teaspoon of liquid or wax per minute. Otherwise no taper candles are allowed.
For religious purposes, candles shall be lit only during the service and must be under constant supervision. Hand-held candles will not be allowed to be passed from one person to another while lighted.
Candles are never to be used if oxygen is being used in the room.
Only those candles that are kept in a glass chimney similar to a hurricane lamp, restaurant style candles ( closed glass container that holds the fuel and has a glass chimney), or in a small votive that floats on water. The container, if tipped, must be capable of containing the entire candle, dripping wax, and any convected heat within the container. The top may be open but the distance from the flame to the opening shall be such that a single layer of tissue paper will not ignited.
No polystyrene foam candle holders or candles in a table or mantle decoration allowed. The user must evaluate the table decorations to assure the candle will not ignite them.
Candles shall not be placed on windowsills or other areas that are unstable or could come in contact with curtains or other hanging objects.
All readily combustible materials, such as drapes or curtains, must be secured at least three (3) feet away from the open flame.
Candles must not be used in close proximity to heat or smoke detectors or sprinkler heads in such a way that heat or smoke might activate the device.
As an alternative, UL listed electrical candles may be used.
If deemed necessary, due to the number of people, type of display, or activity, event personnel must be trained in the use of fire extinguishers.

QUESTIONS? Contact the EH&S Fire Marshal's Office at (585) 275-3243 or e-mail EH&S Questions.

This page last updated 8/1/2005. Disclaimer.