Issue Date:  -  Tuesday, 6 December 2005

Flammable Christmas candleholders and table arrangements endanger consumers

Christmas wreaths being sold around Perth as candleholders and candle decorations could be the cause of house fires this festive season.

Routine inspections of Perth retail outlets conducted by Product Safety Officers discovered the decorative array of candles with their surrounding wreaths to be flammable and in contravention of a banning order which prohibits the sale of candlesticks and other holders which cannot withstand flame or heat.

“This finding has disturbed us greatly, as the various types of these dangerous products are priced between $2.50 and $60, well within the budget of many people wanting to brighten up their Christmas tables,” Consumer Protection Commissioner Patrick Walker said.

“Samples found so far include Christmas wreaths made of fabric leaves and flowers, and berry wreaths. Some are sold as candle rings and others as decorative wreaths. All of these products represent a very high risk of fire when used with candles. FESA has advised us that since 2004 candles have caused 34 fires with a damage bill of $1.5 million,” he said.

The banned goods have been found for sale in department stores, variety shops and boutiques around the metropolitan area.

Consumer Protection’s Product Safety Officers are monitoring a voluntary recall of items that clearly are in breach of the product safety order.  That action includes consumers being offered their money back when returning the goods. Formal warning notices have been issued to traders selling the banned items, and prosecutions that could carry fines of up to $100,000 have not been ruled out.

“We are monitoring the recall process carefully and strongly advise anyone who has purchased flammable Christmas candle holders to either return them to the place of purchase for a refund, or simply not to light the candle if using them as a table piece,” Mr. Walker said.

Consumers who have purchased any of these items and require assistance, should contact Consumer Protection on telephone 1300 30 40 54.