Although there could be many reasons for a fire, the most disappointing are those fire damages which occur due to a simple negligence on our part. Candles and cigarettes are two of those items which can lead to big fires just due to our own negligent behavior.

Almost every household has a candle. Its uses are varying. It can be a source of light at night. It can be used for calming our nerves as part of aromatherapy. It can be used as a decorative item in any room of the house. It is used in wedding ceremonies. It is used in numerous religious rituals. And who hasn't blown a candle placed on top of his birthday cake.

However, if precautions are not taken, the small and beautiful flame of the candle can turn out into an ugly and devastating fire. Here are some precautions which everyone should take while using candles:

1. Use proper and steady candle holders. If a candle is placed carelessly anywhere in the house, and without using a steady candle holder, it can easily tilt and fall on any cloth, paper, furniture or carpet. These are materials which easily catch fire and fire can quickly spread through them.

2. Keep candles in a place where there is no breeze. A draft can easily spread the fire to flammable articles such as clothes and papers.

3. Lit candles should never be left unattended. If an unattended candle falls on furniture in the house, it can be cause fire damage. If immediate action is not taken in such a situation the fire may spread to widespread proportions and actually burn down the whole apartment, the whole building and even the whole community.

4. Once you are done with their use, snuff them out completely. Make sure that they are not still burning before you move away from them.

A little thing such as a candle can bring about so much fire damage that may be hard to believe, but true. Similarly, recklessness in disposing off a small cigarette butt can also lead to fire damage. People tend to throw cigarette butts in various public places. It may be a street, a park, or a restaurant. Even schools have cigarette butts lying around.

Here are a few points which smokers should always keep in mind:

1. If cigarette butts are not put out completely, they can lead to big fires and cause a lot of fire damage. These lighted cigarette butts can come in contact with combustible materials such as clothes, papers and wood and easily spread the fire in the whole area. So make sure that the cigarette butts are completely put out before discarding them.

2. Don't throw cigarette butts in public places such as streets and schools. If they are not completely snuffed out, it becomes easier to grow into a fire by coming in contact with flammable articles in such places.

3. Always use ashtrays while smoking to dispose off ash.

4. Never fall asleep with a lighted cigarette in your hand. It can easily fall on to the carpet and lead to a fire. If you begin to feel sleepy while smoking, put it out immediately and dispose it off in a proper and safe manner.

5. Always use proper disposal bins to throw away cigarette butts. However, make sure that it is completely snuffed out. Or it may catch fire if some paper is already in lying in the trash can.

Fire damage can indeed be very destructive to our property and our lives. Simple precautions, however, can go a long way in preventing such disasters. So next time you use a candle or smoke a cigarette, be cautious.