Candle fires double during the month of December - contributing to millions of dollars and hundreds of lives lost to candle fires each year.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, candle fires hit an 18-year peak in 1997 at 11,600 and caused a record 156 deaths and $170.6 million in property damage.

Although 47 percent of all candle fires start in the bedroom, more candle fires start in living rooms or dens during December. This shift mirrors the use of candles in holiday decorations. According to the National Candle Association, 35 percent of candle sales occur during the holiday season.

"The careless use of candles can scorch the holiday spirit," said Candysse Miller, executive director of the Insurance Information Network of California." "Left unattended, they're an invitation to disaster."

Property losses from household fires typically average $20,000.

It is estimated that 35 percent of home candle fires are the result of unattended or inadequately controlled candles. An additional 17 percent are caused by a combustible material placed too close to the flame. Another 10 percent of the fires are the result of children paying with candles.

To use candles safely this holiday season, IINC recommends:

• Keep candles away from children, especially when they are alone or unsupervised.
• Use candles in an area that has been cleared of combustible materials, such as Christmas trees and wreaths, decorations, heating oil or kerosene, curtains, clothing, Christmas cards and other paper products.
• Use candles in safe, sturdy, noncombustible holders that won't tip over and can collect dripping wax.
• Don't forget to extinguish all candles when leaving a room or going to sleep.
• Avoid carrying candles around while they are lit.
• Don't place lit candles near open windows where blinds or curtains can be blown towards the flame.