The setting is my friend Marsha Reinecke's historic home in Geneva, Illinois
It is Valentine's evening
Marsha and Mark were celebrating the occasion at their home with another couple.
Dinner had concluded, the men retired to the parlor and the women cleared the plates to the kitchen. Within moments, actually a mere minute or two, the men smelled smoke and looked back into the dining room to see flames on the center of the table, nearly lapping the base of the chandelier
The fortunate result is the water goblets had not been removed and were fairly full. Marsha believes that if they had gone back into the kitchen to gather water, the fire would have been out of control.
Below was a wooden floor
Adjacent was this grand wooden staircase. Actually, this old house is all wood
The dining room table had a pad, topped by a tablecloth and here is the damage in minutes, notice how wide it spread.
An inexpensive taper and it's spark. You see, what has since been discovered is that the cost friendly tapers were made in China. The wick contained metal shavings, they all do.
Right, metal + fire = sparks.
My go to candle company is Creative Candles manufactured in the US, Kansas City, Mo.
We constantly re-order this staple for the shop.
Relaying this story to my family, they did not realize the candles scattered everywhere, for Christmas, were faux.
made in the USA or faux, I too can enjoy my guests, attractively.
I truly consider this my most important post and I urge you to pass this message on. That is what friends do, we look out for each other. Thank you for this warning Marsha
As an aside, Mark Reineke, Phd, wrote this book, available here . In concise, laymen terms, he guides us, brilliantly. Leave a comment, would love to send a copy to one lucky reader
Fondly,
Debra
PS; Thank you for all the wishes for a speedy recovery, I am half way in, only 3 more weeks. Won't be dancing, but shuffling sounds really good about now!
Thank you for sharing the information about the candles. The battery operated flame-less variety really have developed and look great.
ReplyDeleteGreat book title - I can see how it would jump right to the point.
I've been thinking of you Debra, I know that it has been a long road to recovery. Thanks for this information, I had no idea! Being here in Kansas City I can attest to the quality of Creative Candles!
ReplyDeleteXoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena
Debra,
ReplyDeleteThis is scary information. The candles you showed us were pretty so I probably would have bought them too. I do love the flameless candles and there are pillars at one of my favorite nursery/gift stores in our area. They look amazingly real but they are $49 each...I've been waiting for the price to drop a bit. The pretend flame really does dance like it's real. This is a great post and I'll pass it on via my facebook and twitter. Thanks, and I'm relieved to know that your friends are okay.
xo,
Karen
Hi Karen. I have bought flameless candles at Bed Bath and Beyond for much more reasonable prices than $49. I use them extensively at Christmas, especially the pillar candles. The dancing flames are more expensive, but the "ordinary" flickering bulb pillars are really quite reasonable. (I don't work for them, I just spend inordinate amounts of money there!)
DeleteThanks for the information...I'm so glad these are available!
ReplyDeletethanks for the important info. I need to stay calm...would love the book. Thanks
ReplyDeleteEven the candles in jars from china pose a threat...I had the glass fracture and start a fire in my kitchen. I love my dancing flame candles! Please tell me the tapers are being created!
ReplyDeleteAge 8, 2 houses down, Christmas Day, a friend's house burned to a total crisp.
ReplyDeleteTHANK YOU for this info.
XO T
forgot to mention, the candles were from home goods
ReplyDeletedebra
Oh gosh that is scary! I am so glam that was the end of it. Thank you for passing on your valuable information. I hope you are feeling better! Rest up, heal nicely and we shall get some lunch once Spring comes. xoxoxo E
ReplyDeleteWow, very scary. I hate candles; they so dangerous.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the shout out for Creative Candles. We appreciate your support!
ReplyDeleteThat staircase is a showstopper!!! Absolutely divine! Very beautiful home.
ReplyDeleteDebra, thanks for sharing this post on the candles - scary.
Glad you are feeling better. Take care, Loi
Holy smoke (pun intended)!! This was scary and made me mad that these inferior products make their way into our market. Candles make me nervous too unless they are contained in a tip-proof container and even then I'm a nervous Nellie.
ReplyDeleteI had a similar experience with a tealight. It shot flames and hot wax up over 1 foot. I reported it to the Consumer Product Commission. It was investigated thoroughly, even with a nice gentleman calling me. Do report these type of incidents as that is how recalls happen.
ReplyDeleteWe had that happen years ago with a candle from Mexico. The culprit may have been the wick, but the candle also had dried flowers in the outside layer of the wax. All of a sudden my smoke alarm was going off. It was in a tiny (but main!) bath on the back of the toilet, I dumped it in the toilet to put it out, but less than a foot away was the shower curtain and of course behind the toilet was drywall. Scary!
ReplyDeleteTerrifying, and many thanks for the warning. I'll pass it on.
ReplyDeleteThe battery-operated candles I've found all seem to have some sort of chemical "scent", which is a turn-off in our house. Looking for a good source of beeswax candles -- I'll check out your Creative Candles, too.
Wow. Thanks for the info. I just glanced over at some cheap dripless candles hanging in sconces over an old piano & some nice upholstery. They're in the trash now. Thank you!
ReplyDelete
ReplyDeleteIt is really a looking great beautiful. I have already loved them without trying! I am satisfied that you simply shared this useful information with us. Please stay us informed like this. Thanks for sharing. Keep it continue. Get Wholesale Unscented Pillar Candles .