They are extremely dangerous. Consider the following statistics about candle fires in the United States:

1. 14,000 fires are caused by candles every year.

2. 10% of fire-related injuries in the home are the result of a candle.

3. Over 50% of all home candle fires started because a candle was too close to a curtain, bed, or other flammable item.  

The bottom line is that a lit candle always carries the risk of fire – and candles are never safe to be used around children.