Long before we had electricity, a fire place and candles were always used to light up a room in the dark. Many hours were spent making candles so that the residents of the home, where ever it might have been, could see at night and on cloudy days. People chopped cord after cord of firewood to also keep warm and cook their food. They both served their own purposes and it was hard to get by without them.

Many people still use their fireplaces today to help heat their home even when they have alternative heating sources. Some just love the warm glow of a fire burning. It has been the centerpiece of many a romantic night between two lovers. The same can be said for candles. The only time that candles are used anymore is when the electricity goes off or just to make the home smell good since they come in so many fragrances these days.

Fireplaces and candles are great to use for whatever reason you need them or want them, but there is always a risk you run when you have open flames inside the house. Many times a home has had a fire because there was someone who was careless or had an accident when burning candles or a fireplace. It is always important to take every precaution necessary to make sure the flames stay where they are supposed to and is not allowed to come in contact with other flammable objects.

Candles can easily be turned over and start a real fire. Make sure they are on a stable setting and never place them too near a wall, curtains, or other furniture. Place them in a fire safe holder so they can not be overturned or knocked off by accident. Keep the wicks trimmed so they do not blaze to high. Sometimes just the heat from a flame can be enough to ignite highly flammable things. Candles should never be left unattended.

Fireplaces are another thing that should not be left unattended. Even when you use doors on a fireplace or a screen, fire could still start in the chimney. Always make sure your fireplace is in good working condition before you use it. It should be inspected yearly to prevent chimney fires which can spread to the rest of the home. Do not place rugs or other flammable objects near the fireplace. When the doors or screen is not in place, sparks from popping wood could ignite them. You want a romantic evening to be a night to remember, you just want it to be because of the fire in your relationship and not a blazing fire in the house.