Fire damage caused by candles usually costs over £25,000 to repair, according to an insurer urging caution during Christmas . Aviva, analysing home insurance claims from 2021 to 2024, identified December as the peak month for candle-related fires , with average claims surpassing £25,000 .

Aviva's data suggests that candles are responsible for approximately 15% of fire claims during December, while chimneys and fireplaces account for 6%. Examples of candle-related claims the insurer has dealt with include a candle catching the branch of a Christmas tree, and in another case, a fire spreading in a home due to the foliage of an Advent wreath catching fire.

Unattended Christmas candles setting nearby items and decorations on fire, as well as wrapping paper catching fire, includin

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