Exercise caution with holiday candles

They can smell like flowers, holly, spices.

There’s nothing like the fragrance of a holiday candle.

That is if it doesn’t cause something to catch on fire.

Some people love holiday candles but Joplin-Jasper County Emergency Management Coordinator Dave Holden says “safety first.”

“Never leave a candle unattended anywhere in the house,” Holden advises.

“If you do use them make sure they’re away from curtains and things like to make sure they don’t catch on fire. Be very safe with them,” he adds.

Holden has the voice of experience:  He served for 21 years as a firefighter before moving into the County Coordinator position.