In a shocking incident that serves as a crucial reminder about candle safety, a woman from Texas endured second-degree burns after trying to blow out a Bath and Body Works vanilla scented candle. The incident, captured on home surveillance, showcases the dangers of leaving a candle unattended.
Sarah Thompson, a resident of Dallas, Texas, had previously enjoyed burning candles without issue. However, earlier this month, after lighting a vanilla-scented candle and stepping out of the room, she returned to find a towering six-inch flame leaping from the candle’s jar. “I was in the bathroom drying my hair while my toddler sat on the counter,” Sarah recounted. “Suddenly, I caught a whiff of something burning and rushed into the living room, only to find the candle in flames. I tried to blow it out, but when I did, the fire erupted right in my face. I started screaming.”
Her husband, Mark, shared the alarming footage on social media along with a photo showing Sarah in the hospital, her face covered in bandages. The video shows the flickering flame burning wildly, with Sarah entering the room just moments before the fire engulfs her. “Sarah was in the ER,” Mark posted. “She had lit a three-wick candle and, after burning for over three hours, it flared up dramatically. The flame erupted, burning her face and splashing hot wax everywhere. She suffered first and second-degree burns but is recovering. We want to warn others about this.”
Local news reported that the candle’s instructions warn users to never leave it unattended or to let it burn longer than three to four hours. Many commenters questioned why she chose to blow it out instead of using the lid to smother the flames. “Honestly, with a six-inch flame, I was afraid to use the lid,” Sarah explained to the news outlet. “I thought I might burn my hand or drop it, which could lead to a bigger fire.”
She added, “I never imagined I’d return to find it in flames. I’ll never use a candle again; it terrified me.” Bath and Body Works stated that their candles meet all safety standards and expressed their concern for Sarah’s experience. “We take this situation very seriously,” they said. “The safety of our customers is our top priority, and we are looking into the details.”
How many of us are prone to lighting scented candles and then stepping away? This incident highlights the importance of being cautious. “It’s tough,” Sarah admitted, “but I know it’ll get better.” For more insights on similar topics, be sure to check out this post about home insemination kits.
In summation, Sarah’s experience serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with unattended candles. Following safety precautions and understanding product instructions can help prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.