January 6, 2026 – A consumer reported that a Tuscany Sea and Sand candle, manufactured by Langley/Empire Candle Company, shattered after the wax re-ignited the flame when the candle was allowed to burn completely down. The incident, which occurred on March 28, 2025, resulted in the glass jar breaking on the bottom and sides. This incident highlights the critical importance of adhering to candle safety guidelines to prevent potential hazards.
Product Details
Incident Overview
On March 28, 2025, a consumer was using a Tuscany Sea and Sand candle, allowing it to burn until the wax was almost completely consumed. The consumer reported that instead of the flame extinguishing as expected, the remaining wax re-ignited, leading to an uncontrolled flare-up. This sudden surge in flame caused the glass jar containing the candle to shatter violently on both its bottom and sides. The consumer noted that this was their first time using this particular brand of candles and has documented the damaged product with photographs. The incident underscores the inherent risks associated with burning candles beyond recommended limits.
Safety Concerns
This incident presents several significant safety concerns for consumers:
- Immediate Dangers: The shattering of a glass candle jar poses an immediate risk of injury from flying glass shards, potentially causing lacerations or eye damage. An uncontrolled flame re-ignition can lead to rapid fire spread, especially if the candle is near flammable materials.
- Fire Hazard: A re-ignited flame, particularly when wax levels are critically low, can produce an unusually large or erratic flame, increasing the risk of ignition of nearby items such as curtains, furniture, or other household goods. The heat generated can also be intense enough to damage surfaces the candle is resting on.
- Burn Risk: An unexpected flare-up or shattering glass can also lead to severe thermal burns if an individual is in close proximity to the candle.
- Property Damage Potential: The combination of an uncontrolled flame and shattering glass significantly increases the risk of property damage. Beyond potential fire, the hot wax and glass fragments can damage furniture, flooring, and other household items.
- Who Might Be Affected: Anyone in the vicinity of the burning candle could be affected. Children and pets are particularly vulnerable to burns or injuries from flying debris due to their unpredictable movements and inability to quickly react to such incidents.
What Consumers Should Do
To ensure safe candle use and prevent similar incidents, consumers should take the following actions:
- Follow Manufacturer Instructions: Always read and strictly adhere to all safety warnings and usage instructions provided on the candle label. These guidelines are crucial for safe operation.
- Stop Use at Recommended Wax Level: Most manufacturers advise discontinuing use when 1/2 inch of unmelted wax remains in the container. Burning candles down to the very bottom significantly increases the risk of the glass overheating, cracking, or shattering, and can lead to the wick being unstable or re-igniting in residual wax.
- Trim Wicks: Before each use, trim the wick to 1/4 inch. This helps to ensure a steady, controlled flame and prevents excessive soot buildup.
- Limit Burn Time: Do not burn candles for more than four hours at a time. This allows the candle to cool and helps prevent the container from overheating.
- Supervise Candles: Never leave a burning candle unattended. Always extinguish candles before leaving a room or going to sleep.
- Placement: Place candles on a stable, heat-resistant surface, away from drafts, vents, and anything flammable (curtains, paper, decorations).
- Reporting Procedures: If you experience an incident with a consumer product, report it immediately to the manufacturer and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) at www.cpsc.gov. Your report helps identify potential hazards and contributes to broader product safety efforts.
Manufacturer’s Response
Langley/Empire Candle Company provided a response on December 17, 2025, regarding the incident. The manufacturer stated that based on the consumer’s indication of “letting the candle burn all the way down,” it is important to emphasize that proper candle care is essential for safe use. They highlighted key safety guidelines, including stopping use when 1/2 inch of unmelted wax remains, trimming the wick to 1/4 inch before each use, and limiting burn time to no more than four hours. The manufacturer asserted that these and other important safety guidelines are clearly stated on the product’s warning label. They strongly encourage all consumers to follow the manufacturer’s usage instructions carefully, noting that not doing so may increase the risk of an adverse experience.
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.