A warning has been issued by firefighters after a TikTok heater trend resulted in a person’s flat catching fire.
The flat, located in Derby in the UK, caught fire late last year and resulted in 50 people being evacuated. Following the fire, it was announced that the blaze had been caused by a homemade heating device that was making the rounds of TikTok.
The trend circulating on the popular app shows people how they can use terracotta pot heaters to create a “chimney” style heating system using tea lights.
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It exploded in popularity people search for ways to cut down the cost of heating in the midst of rising cost of living expenses.
To help show people why it’s a bad idea, MyJobQuote’s heating expert, Matthew Jenkins, gave some tips on how to use candles safely in the home.
What Is The Homemade Heater TikTok Trend?
Matthew Jenkins explained: “With the rise in energy costs, many homeowners are looking for new and interesting ways to save money while heating their homes. TikTok is an extremely popular place for interesting DIY hack videos, so it's no wonder many homeowners have taken to the app to find some unusual ways to save money around the home.
“One of the hacks that became popular on TikTok at the end of 2022 is the homemade heater hack which grew in popularity due to its ability to help you heat your home without using central heating.
“The homemade heaters are created by placing some tea lights in a terracotta dish which is then covered by an upside-down terracotta pot which helps to contain the heat.
“However, despite the popularity of this heating hack, it's actually quite dangerous, and people are warned to stay clear of the trend.”
Why Is The Homemade TikTok Heater Dangerous?
Jenkins continued: “As mentioned, firefighters have issued a warning due to a fire that broke out in an apartment building which was caused by one of these homemade heaters.
“In this instance, it was thought that the heat released from the base of the tea lights on the terracotta plate was enough to weaken the plate underneath. This caused the entire device to collapse, and the melted wax then became engulfed in flames.
“Tea lights used like this can cause burns if not used correctly. Not only can the terracotta pots cause significant burns if touched, but the naked flames from the candles can give off enough heat to cause burns.
“Although a lot of content on TikTok is useful, unfortunately, there are many risky ‘homemade hacks’ out there that could cause danger to life. Hacks like this may claim to save you money, but is it worth risking your life to save a bit of cash?”
How to Use Candles Safely
Jenkins added: “Although candles can be risky if you use them right, candles can be a great way to add some heat to your home."
Here are some precautions that should be taken when using candles in the home:
- Trim The Wick
Before you light a candle, it’s important to trim the wick first. The wick should be around ¼ of an inch above the wax. This will prevent the flame from becoming too large, which could help to prevent a fire.
- Use a Long Match or Long Lighter When Lighting
When lighting a candle, you want to make sure your hand doesn’t get too close to the flame. To help make sure of this, always use a long match or long lighter when lighting your candles.
- Never Leave Candles Unattended
When you light a candle, it’s important to ensure you stay in the same room as the lit candles at all times. Keeping the candle close is one of the best ways to ensure there are no accidents or damage. For example, if you leave a candle lit in another room and it accidentally spreads the fire to something else, you may not notice until it’s too late. Keeping the candle in your sight will mean that you can take immediate action if something bad happens.
- Choose An Appropriate Surface
It’s best to burn a candle on a stable and heat-resistant surface. In addition to keeping your candle in sight, you should find a place where it is away from pets and children. You should also keep it away from windows, draughts, and any flammable materials such as paper, curtains, or furniture. This will help to reduce the risk of candle-related accidents.
- Never Burn a Candle For More Than Four Hours
When a candle is lit, carbon collects on the wick. If you let your candle burn for too long, this can cause the wick to become unstable and may cause the flame to become quite large.
- Keep Your Candle In a Safe Holder
If you are burning tea lights or candles that don’t come in a jar, it’s important to ensure that they are placed in a safe, heat-resistant holder. This will help to prevent the flame from spreading to surrounding surfaces and will also prevent the hot wax from damaging surfaces.
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