Trading standards officers have issued guidelines on how to use candles safely after a boom in sales.
East and West Sussex county councils and Brighton and Hove Council say almost 2,000 fires were started by candles in 1998, resulting in 11 deaths and 772 injuries.
Now safety officers have decided to issue the new safety message after candle sales doubled in the last five years.
They are warning people never to place candles directly on plastic baths, to keep lit candles away from pets, children's hair and clothes, never to leave candles lit and unattended and to make sure candles are extinguished before going to bed.
Extra care should be taken when designing a candle display to avoid flammable materials and candles should never be placed on carpets or other flammable surfaces, safety experts warn.
Keith Bridger, the lead cabinet member for legal and community services for East Sussex County Council, said: "We would advise you to take care and follow the simple precautions so that your enjoyment is not ruined by a needless accident."
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