Domestic fires in France: a real risk

Each year, according to the Ministry of the Interior, fire and rescue services respond to 60,000 to 70,000 residential fires . These incidents result in over 200 deaths and approximately 9,000 injuries . On average, a house fire occurs every two minutes in France .

"We still tend to believe that fire is a rare event," explains a Paris fire department officer. "Yet, it is a daily risk, comparable to that of road accidents."

The main causes:

• faulty electrical installations,

• cooking-related accidents

• classic candles left unattended.

Traditional candles: a potential source of warmth

When burning, a traditional candle concentrates a layer of liquid wax around its wick. If it falls over, this fuel spills and can ignite fabrics, paper, or wood.

Critical moments:

• Christmas celebrations,

• weddings,

• parties at home.

Abroad, the danger is documented:

• United Kingdom: 940 fires caused by candles in 2021-2022

• Switzerland: 500 fires per year on average ,

• France: no detailed statistics by cause, but a comparable situation.

Invisible victims: smoke more than flames

Flames are not always the main danger. Smoke kills faster than fire : carbon monoxide and particulate matter asphyxiate in minutes.

• The majority of deaths occur at night , when the occupants are asleep.

• Smoke detectors, which have been mandatory since 2015, are still not installed sufficiently , particularly in older rental properties.

Prevention: essential steps

The authorities remind everyone of simple rules:

• Never leave a burning candle unattended.

• Keep away from curtains, tablecloths and papers,

• favor stable and enclosed supports,

• Always turn off the light before leaving the room .

These basic precautions are not always followed. The widespread use of candles reduces vigilance.

Innovation: the beaded candle, a safer alternative

The beaded candle offers a self-safety innovation.
Principle: the wax comes in the form of granular beads , and not in a block.

Technical advantages:

• If it falls, the beads scatter and the flame goes out.

• A small volume of liquid wax around the flame,

• Inverted pearls cool quickly.

• a container that does not overheat.

"We are moving from a continuous system, where fuel is available in large quantities, to a discontinuous system, where the flame depends on an unstable structure," explains a fire safety engineer.

Lumea Deco: the Belgian beaded candle for the French market

In Belgium, the brand Lumea Deco is developing this technology. It offers refillable, customizable and eco-friendly beaded candles.

Features :

• 100% natural and biodegradable wax,

• Convenient refills to extend usage,

• Containers of your choice in glass, ceramic or other materials.

• Modern design suitable for contemporary interiors.

Objective : to combine safety, aesthetics and ecological commitment .

Individual responsibility and technical solutions

Innovations like the beaded candle do not replace vigilance, but they reduce the risk at the source . They complement existing rules: smoke detectors, monitoring open flames, and raising children's awareness.

An official from the National Federation of Firefighters reminds us:
"We need anything that can reduce the number of fires. Technical solutions, if they are simple and accessible, are part of the solution."

Conclusion: reducing risk without sacrificing aesthetics

Behind every statistic are grieving families, destroyed homes, and shattered lives. The beaded candle illustrates an evolution: continuing to enjoy the warmth of a flame while reducing the danger .

At a time when responsible consumption is on the rise, choosing a safer and more ecological candle is part of a global approach: protecting your home without sacrificing comfort and ambiance.