Can a candle set off a smoke alarm?
Yes. Smoke from a burning candle or from putting it out can trigger a smoke alarm. A long wick or a flickering, smoky flame is a reason to stop the burn and follow the candle's care instructions. Don't assume an alarm is harmless just because a candle is nearby.
Home smoke alarms come in two main types. The NFPA says ionization alarms are more responsive to flaming fires and photoelectric alarms to smoldering ones. Either can pick up candle smoke if it's close enough.
How to reduce smoke from a candle
- Keep candles away from the alarm. Heat and smoke rise straight up, so don't burn one directly under a detector.
- Trim the wick to ¼ inch before each burn. A long wick makes a tall, smoky flame. Here's how to trim a candle wick.
- Keep it out of drafts. A flame that keeps flickering also smokes. More on why candles smoke.
- Put it out with a snuffer or a wick dipper. Blowing a candle out makes the most smoke. See how to put out a candle.
If the alarm goes off
Treat a sounding smoke alarm as a possible fire. Get everyone outside, stay outside and call 911 from a safe place. Don't stay inside trying to clear the smoke or silence the alarm. Never take the battery out, cover the alarm or switch it off so you can burn a candle. Test smoke alarms every month and follow the alarm manufacturer's instructions.
Sources: NFPA, smoke alarms; U.S. Fire Administration, smoke alarms; National Candle Association, fire safety.
— Colorado Candle Co.