Durham Fire Dept. issues warning over open flame luminarias

The Durham Fire Department is urging people to be cautious over luminarias, also known as luminaries, the popular holiday tradition that involves placing a lighted candle inside a paper bag.

Posted 1:45 a.m. Dec 11, 2007 — Updated 5:20 p.m. Nov 18, 2008

DURHAM, N.C. — The Durham Fire Department wants to remind folks that a statewide burn ban prohibits the use of open flames more than 100 feet from a home. The department is urging people to be cautious over luminarias, also known as luminaries, the popular holiday tradition that involves placing a lighted candle inside a paper bag.

“In lieu of using open flame luminarias, we recommend using battery-operated luminarias instead,” Chief Bruce Pagan said.

Pagan also said that any item requiring the use of open flames, such as cooking equipment, candles and fireplaces, should be used with extreme caution.

The burn ban was issued in mid-October by the State of North Carolina’s Division of Forest Resources because of the ongoing drought.

As part of the ban, the fire department has also canceled all burning permits.

Suggest A Correction