It doesn't take long for a small candle to become a big problem. This month, Colorado firefighters expect to respond to more calls for fires started by candles than they typically do.
"The holidays are a big uptick in candle fires, especially with Christmas and Hanukkah and the use of candles," said Deputy Fire Marshal Doug Saba with Mountain View Fire Rescue. "New Year's Eve and New Year's Day are some of our biggest days for those types of fires."
He said candles aren't the only issue — it's also all the extra stuff people may have in their homes this time of year, including holiday decorations, presents and heaters. All of those can help a fire spread once one gets started.