But many others may not be so fortunate, says The Hartford Financial Services Group, one of the nation's leading providers of homeowners insurance. Many put their homes -- and lives -- at risk by using candles carelessly, particularly during the holiday season.

"With the growing popularity of candles as decorative lighting, we're seeing a significant increase in home fires attributed to their misuse," said Ron Paice, The Hartford's vice president of claims. "People leave burning candles unattended or place them too close to drapes, upholstery and other combustible materials."

Greene says she was shocked at how quickly the fire got started. "I hadn't realized how dry the pine boughs were or how easily the candles could have burned the house down."

Indeed, a recent study by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) found residential fires sparked by candles are twice as likely to occur in December than any other month in the year.

These holiday-associated fires are coming at a time when home candle fires in general are at an all-time high. The NFPA reports that 11,600 home candle fires caused 156 deaths and $171 million in property damage in 1997, the most recent year for which data is available.

What's especially disturbing, say fire prevention experts, is that the increase comes at a time when residential fires have dropped in frequency. Now candle fires account for 2.9 percent of home fires, twice the 18-year average share of l.4 percent. Candles show no signs of losing their fashionable appeal. With their soft light, rich fragrances and cozy glow, they're trendier than ever this holiday season as shoppers stock up on pillars, columns, votives, and wax-filled containers. The National Candle Association in Washington expects retail sales, which have tripled in the past three years, to surpass $2.3 billion in the year 2000.

"Candles can offer a warm ambiance and a festive mood, but they can be dangerous if used carelessly," said Paice. "We urge everyone to take common- sense precautions when decorating with candles this holiday season."

The Hartford recommends:

• Never leave burning candles unattended.
• Place candles well away from curtains, bedding and other flammable materials.
• Keep candles away from table decorations, trees and other greenery.
• Don't place lighted candles in windows.
• Don't use candles to decorate a tree.
• Extinguish tapers when they are less than two inches tall.
• Trim candle wicks to 1/4 inch.

Extinguish all candles before going to sleep.

Note: The Hartford (NYSE: HIG) is one of the nation's largest insurance and financial services companies, with 1999 revenues of $13.5 billion. As of September 30, 2000, The Hartford had assets of $177.2 billion and shareholders' equity of $6.7 billion. The company is a leading provider of investment products, life insurance and employee benefits; automobile and homeowners products; commercial property and casualty insurance; and reinsurance. The Hartford's Internet address is www.thehartford.com.

SOURCE: The Hartford

WEB SITE: http://www.thehartford.com/