More and more people are using scented candles in their homes, but by doing so they are creating a greater risk of causing a blaze if they go out or drift off to sleep while the aromatic flame is left burning.

Unattended candles can fall over, or a curtain can be blown against them causing a fire to quickly take hold.

The theme of this year?s Fire Safety Awareness Week is ?Use Candles With Care?, and when you go out make sure you blow them out.

Chief Fire Officer Vincent Hollinsid, speaking at the launch of awareness campaign ? which is being mirrored in both North America and the UK ? said firefighters had been called to a number of house fires caused by candles. On the occasion of power outages he urged householders to use battery powered lights rather than candles.

During the week the public was invited to visit the fire stations in Hamilton, Clearwater and Port Royal in Southampton, to tour the facilities and see static displays of fire-fighting equipment. At the Hamilton station there was a children?s show with puppets and fire safety mascot Sparky to promote the fire safety message to youngsters.

Randolph Horton, the Minster for Labour, Home Affairs and Public Safety, led praise for the work of the Bermuda Fire Service and the value of having a Fire Safety Awareness Week.

?I believe the knowledge gained during this week and in fire prevention programmes throughout the year can save both lives and property,? he said.

?We are truly blessed here in Bermuda, in that very rarely do we have a major fire or similar emergency.

?The theme for Fire Safety Awareness Week is most appropriate: ?Use Candles With Care? places a sharp and necessary focus on a household item that has been linked to a number of household fires here in Bermuda over the years.

?Candles come in many scents and have myriad uses. They conjure up images of warmth and romance. They are also an essential source of light during an electrical power outage.

?However, all of us are aware that their misuse leads to fires that can cause extensive property damage and the consequent disruption to a family or business unit.

?Whilst property can be repaired or replaced, human lives can never be. This sobering reality should be enough to encourage anyone and everyone to do the right thing and to use candles and other fire-causing implements with the proper and necessary supervision.?

Mr. Horton also recalled a recent incident when flames had been intentionally caused at a concert by people igniting the spray from aerosol cans.

?I cannot condemn too strongly the irresponsible and uncaring behaviour demonstrated by persons who would choose to ignite aerosol cans at any time, anywhere, but especially in a crowded venue. One shivers at what the dreadful consequences might be,? he said.