January 7, 2026 – A recent incident report has brought to light a serious safety concern involving a candle purchased from Michaels. The report details an incident where external decorations on the candle caught fire, posing an immediate and significant fire hazard. This event underscores the critical importance of scrutinizing decorative products for potential flammability and adhering to strict candle safety guidelines.
Product Details
Incident Overview
On December 15, 2025, an incident was reported concerning an “unsafe candle” from Michaels. The report indicates that decorations affixed to the outside of the candle ignited. While specific details regarding the duration of burning prior to ignition, the proximity of the flame to the decorations, or the exact type of decorative material are not available in the initial report, the core issue is clear: a design flaw or material choice allowed external ornamentation to become a fuel source, leading to an uncontrolled fire. This type of incident typically occurs when a candle is lit, and the heat from the flame, or direct contact with the flame itself, causes flammable materials on the candle’s exterior to catch fire, potentially spreading rapidly beyond the candle itself.
Safety Concerns
The incident involving the Michaels candle presents several severe safety concerns:
- Immediate Dangers: The primary and most immediate danger is the risk of fire. Once external decorations ignite, the flame can quickly spread, potentially engulfing nearby combustible materials such as curtains, furniture, or other household items. This can lead to rapid fire growth, making it difficult to extinguish and increasing the risk of significant property damage. Users are also at immediate risk of thermal burns from direct contact with flames or hot materials.
- Long-Term Risks: Beyond immediate property destruction, a house fire can result in severe injuries, including second and third-degree burns, smoke inhalation, and in the most tragic circumstances, fatalities. Even if the fire is contained, smoke and soot damage can render homes uninhabitable for extended periods, leading to long-term displacement and health issues from residual toxins.
- Who Might Be Affected: Anyone using these decorative candles is at risk. This includes individuals, families, and pets within the household where the candle is being burned. Children and individuals with mobility impairments may be particularly vulnerable during a fire event.
- Property Damage Potential: The potential for property damage is extremely high. Fires originating from candles can quickly escalate, leading to the destruction of personal belongings, structural damage to homes, and substantial financial losses.
What Consumers Should Do
If you own a decorative candle from Michaels or any retailer that features external decorations, especially those made from paper, fabric, dried botanicals, or other flammable materials, please take the following actions:
- Immediate Steps: If you are currently burning such a candle and notice any sign of external decorations catching fire, immediately and safely extinguish the flame if possible. If the fire cannot be contained or if it begins to spread, evacuate everyone from the premises immediately and call emergency services (911) from a safe location. Do not attempt to fight a growing fire yourself.
- How to Check for Affected Products: Inspect any Michaels candles you own, particularly those with decorative elements on the exterior. Look for any materials that could potentially ignite from heat or flame. Candles with embedded items or those where decorations are very close to the wick or rim of the candle should be treated with extreme caution.
- Prevention Measures:
* Never leave a burning candle unattended.
* Keep candles away from anything that can catch fire, including curtains, furniture, paper, and clothing.
* Place candles on a stable, heat-resistant surface.
* Trim candle wicks to ¼ inch before each use to prevent excessive flame and soot.
* Do not burn candles for more than 4 hours at a time.
* Be extra cautious with decorative candles; consider them for display only if you have concerns about the flammability of their external elements.
* Keep candles out of reach of children and pets.
- Reporting Procedures: If you have experienced a similar incident or have concerns about a specific product, please report it to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) at www.cpsc.gov. Your reports are crucial for identifying hazards and initiating potential recalls.
Manufacturer’s Response
At the time of this report, the manufacturer’s response to this specific incident is unknown. Consumers are encouraged to monitor official channels for any updates or recall announcements from Michaels Stores, Inc. or the CPSC.
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.