Is this a FIRE HAZARD? Pic attached!

[Tomaaaatos]

Is this a fire hazard? My friend says it is so thought I'd better check? Been putting candles on here for years

If you click on the image you'll see the shelf above.

I don’t think so
What is your friend afraid of catching fire?

I'm no expert, but I wouldn't feel comfortable placing a candle there.

It seems too close to the shelf above which I imagine gets really hot - are there any marks?

Also I'd put a coaster or something under the candle.

Only so far as any naked flame is a fire hazard...

I think it’s fine on that shelf like that.

I've certainly marked a shelf putting a candle like that and felt lucky it hadn't properly caught fire.

Presumably there is a wooden shelf above the flame? If so in theory it could get hot enough to start smouldering so personally I'd put it somewhere else.

I wouldn't feel comfortable with that, the shelf above could get hot?

Yes!

I’ve marked the shelf doing that- it’s more about the coating than the wood itself catching I think. I wouldn’t worry massively about it but if it’s easily moved why not?

It is a fire risk, but this can be reduced by putting it on a coaster and never leaving it alone.

I wouldn't put it there

It might scorch either above or below the candle, it has happened to me before but it was unlacquered/unvarnished wood

I'd not put it there personally, that shelf is very close and I'd just not risk it for the sake of a candle tbh, not over putting it somewhere safer!

That's not the best place for a candle. You may find too, that the candle will smoke and leave a greasy black mark on the underside if the shelf.

I wouldn't put a candle on a shelf incase it over heats above the candle. (Plus a coaster underneath)

Point number 4 on here says you shouldn't put them under shelves

www.fireservice.co.uk/safety/candles/

Yes, it is.

The coating on the shelf above will have a flash point. Once it reaches a certain temperature it can combust into flames without the candle flame ever touching it.

Yes it is

www.express.co.uk/news/uk/746876/people-killed-candles-trebles-fire-Christmas

As someone who does this stuff for a living. Yes it absolutely is. Wood burns. There is probably a lacquer on the shelves also which will be flammable:

Please remove candle: thank you

Thanks all. I have had smoke on the shelf above but it always just wipes off. I didn't think that was anything to be concerned about. Won't be lighting candles on there again!

Smart move op. Candles are high up on the top reasons for house fires.

It’s a fire hazard, hold out your hand above it where the shelf is and see how hot it is.

@redtartanshoes - are you are fire fighter or fire investigator ? < nosey>

Not many women in either job, good on you.

@kristinaM neither! H&S Specialist.

Just remembered we used to “know” each other one here befire I name changed. Will PM you

Although to be fair if there was a fire I’d be investigator