Most all candle fires can be prevented. As a manufacturer Of Old Fart Super Scented Candles my very first concern is safety in the product that I produce. We use a very high quality blended candle wax second to none. We use candle fragrance oils of the highest quality made for candles, all cotton wicks and heavy containers that will withstand the temperature of the burning candle.At Old Fart Candle.com we adhere to all standards and guidelines in the manufacturing process. We do not push limits of candle fragrance oil percentages, wick size or the quality of the glass containers. The quality on the inside of our candles is the best of the best. We place a strong warning label on each candle and advise each customer to read the warning. We want you to remember the hazards that can happen while using your candle if care is not used. It is your responsibility to use and burn the candle properly. Think about this, your family , your house , your pets could be harmed ; your house could burn to the ground and serious injury and even death could occur. Candles can be very enjoyable and safe, but it takes you and all family members to understand the hazards that can occur, and rules that absolutely cannot be broken. All well made candles are tested and do have a flash point, that is when a candle could catch on fire inside the container. This is caused by burning the candle past the limits for the candle. Candle fragrance oils are mixed into the candle wax; candle fragrance oils are flammable and have a flash point, this is the temperature reached when the candle can catch on fire. Burning a candle longer then it was designed for could have deadly consequences; pay attention to warning limits on the candle. Trim the wick; this will prevent the candle from smoking and keep the wick to the correct height. How many times have you observed a candle that has been burned and the top of the candle container is black? Well, the way to prevent this black soot is trim the wick each and every time before lighting the candle to approximately 1/4 inch or a little less. Absolutely !! Never leave a candle burning unattended, something like going down to the mall to shop or going outside to mow the grass and forgetting that it is lit. This is how you can burn your house down. Absolutely !! Never leave a candle burning around Children or pets it only takes a second to tip that candle over and catch a house on fire. Absolutely !! Never burn a candle around other flammable materials, curtains ,gasoline, ladies your hair spray is very flammable!! Instant FIRE. Absolutely !! Never Go To Sleep with a candle left burning; this could cause your death or a family member. Put the candles out and the lid on before you go to sleep or before leaving your house. Buy and keep a couple of quality fire extinguishers by the entrance doors and the upstairs of your house and in the kitchen. If you should have a fire, they just might give you the extra second to get out. Teach your children how to use them and what they are for. Here is a fun link http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/kids/flash.shtm  Never pour water on a burning candle. Never! You get the idea. BOTTOM LINE USE COMMON SENSE When Burning Your Super Scented Candle.