January 7, 2026 – A consumer has reported a alarming incident involving a Hotel Collection 4-wick Firvtree candle, which reportedly exploded after only 30 minutes of use, scattering glass fragments across a living room. The incident highlights potential safety risks associated with multi-wick candles and the importance of manufacturer responsiveness to consumer complaints.
Product Details
Incident Overview
On December 15, 2025, a consumer reported lighting their Hotel Collection 4-wick Firvtree candle, which they had previously burned only a couple of times for short durations. Approximately 30 minutes after lighting it, the candle reportedly produced an “extremely loud pop,” followed by an explosion on one side. This sent glass fragments “in our living room,” where the consumer and their dogs were present. The consumer emphasized the potential for a “very serious disaster” due to the glass being thrown into their occupied living space. They contacted Hotel Collection to report the incident but noted that the company “didn’t seem so concerned.”
Safety Concerns
The explosion of a glass candle container presents several serious safety concerns:
- Immediate Dangers: The primary immediate danger is from flying glass shrapnel. Such fragments can cause severe lacerations, puncture wounds, and eye injuries to anyone in the vicinity, including adults, children, and pets. The described “extremely loud pop” and glass being “thrown” indicate a significant force of expulsion.
- Fire Hazard: While not explicitly stated as a fire, an exploding candle container, especially one still burning, poses a substantial risk of igniting nearby flammable materials such as curtains, furniture, carpets, or personal belongings. The molten wax could also be a burn hazard.
- Long-Term Risks: Injuries from glass fragments can lead to scarring, infections, and in severe cases, permanent damage or vision loss.
- Who Might Be Affected: Anyone near the candle at the time of an explosion is at risk. This includes family members, guests, and pets. The report specifically mentions dogs being present, highlighting the danger to animals who may not be able to avoid debris.
- Property Damage Potential: Beyond direct injury, an exploding candle can cause significant damage to household property, including furniture, flooring, and personal items from the impact of glass, hot wax, or potential fire.
What Consumers Should Do
Consumers who own a Hotel Collection 4-wick Firvtree candle or similar multi-wick candles should take the following precautions:
- Stop Using Immediately: If you own this specific candle or any candle that exhibits signs of instability (e.g., cracking glass, unusually high flames, smoke), discontinue use immediately.
- Inspect Your Candle: Before lighting any candle, inspect the container for cracks, chips, or defects. Ensure wicks are trimmed to 1/4 inch before each use.
- Follow Burning Instructions: Always adhere to manufacturer guidelines for candle burning, including recommended burn times, placement on stable, heat-resistant surfaces, and keeping away from flammable materials. Never leave a burning candle unattended.
- Keep Away from Flammables: Ensure candles are placed at a safe distance from curtains, paper, furniture, and other combustible items.
- Keep Away from Children and Pets: Always keep burning candles out of reach of children and pets.
- Report Incidents: If you experience a similar incident, report it directly to the manufacturer. Additionally, file a report with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) at www.SaferProducts.gov. Detailed reports are crucial for identifying patterns and initiating potential recalls.
- Document Evidence: If an incident occurs, safely take photographs of the product, the damage, and the incident scene. This documentation can be vital for reporting and potential claims.
Manufacturer’s Response
The manufacturer’s response to this specific incident is listed as “Unknown.” The consumer who reported the incident indicated that when they contacted Hotel Collection directly, the company “didn’t seem so concerned.” A lack of prompt or concerned response from a manufacturer regarding a serious safety incident can be a red flag for consumers and regulatory bodies.
Legal Help Available
If you or a loved one has been injured by a defective product or suffered property damage due to a product malfunction, you may be entitled to compensation. The experienced product liability attorneys at Farzan Law understand the complexities of defective product cases and can help you navigate the legal process.
Contact us today for a free consultation: 424-325-3112
Our legal team has successfully represented clients in product liability cases involving defective appliances, automotive defects, medical devices, and consumer products. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay unless we win your case.
Note: This information is based on incident reports provided by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. If you find information that is incorrect, please contact us immediately so we can correct the post to reflect accurate information.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is not intended to be legal or medical advice. This article is based on publicly available incident reports. The incidents mentioned have not necessarily been independently verified or adjudicated.