Those people who think they are beating the cost of living by lighting candles instead of flicking the switch to turn on electric lights should think again.

The Chief Fire Officer says too many residents are putting themselves at risk by using candles. His comments come this week in the wake of a blaze in the City when a 78-year-old resident was burned to death. Although he was not blaming the use of candles for that tragedy, there is growing public concern that three people have died in house fires already this year. The Fire Chief was simply explaining how to minimise the chances of life and property loss by these accidents.

The Barbados Fire Service steps up its prevention awareness programme both in the dry season and during the hurricane period when some householders wrongly resort to using candles or kerosene lamps.

Source: Heat Newspaper - May 2, 2008