Earth Hour comes with warning from fire department

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – The lights should go dark for Earth Hour tonight, but does that mean people are taking more of a risk?

There’s an increase in the number of candle-related fires anytime the power goes out, even voluntarily says Cpt. Jonathan Gormick with Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services.

“Candles are dangerous because they’re made with a petroleum product that melts and burns. And if they’re left unattended, that wax can pool at the bottom and when the flame reaches it, it can literally cause a rolling pool of fire.”

His advice: don’t leave candles unattended, and Gormick’s warning also applies to things like incense, or anything that people light and often forget.

“Use the new, modern, alternate, LED, low-powered candles that if you do knock over or leave unattended, don’t start a fire.”

You’re also reminded to never leave lit candles or incense around pets or children that are running around.

According to the organization behind the Earth Hour initiative, it is now the world’s largest grassroots movement for the environment.

People observing are asked to power down for an hour between 8:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., by turning off lights, computers, and other devices.

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