Los Angeles
Fire Department Requirement
USE OF OPEN FLAME, CANDLES, AND HOLDING DEVICES
The following are the Los Angeles Fire Department's minimum fire safety requirements for the use of
open flame, candles, and their holding devices in a public assemblage.
PERMIT REQUIRED
Section 57.4701.5. OPEN FLAME:
No person shall use upon the stage, in the dressing room, or within the public area of any assemblage
occupancy, any open flame, except by authority of a written Special Permit from the Chief. The permit
shall be available for inspection at all times.
EXCEPTION: The preceding provision is not construed to prohibit the following:
The use of candles as part of a religious ritual, ceremony, or service, provided that such candles are
located in a portion of a room, building, or premises not normally occupied by any persons except
those charged with ministration duties, and provided that such candles are safely supported in an
approved manner.
The request for the Special Permit must be made in person, with the type of candles, holding device,
and floral arrangement, if used, to the Los Angeles Fire Department, Bureau of Fire Prevention.
Candles used at outdoor public events shall be regulated and permitted using the
same standards as indoor assemblages unless otherwise specified by this
requirement.
Solid fuel open flame decorative devices shall be in compliance with FPB
Requirement No. 29A.
CONDITIONS OF USE
Unprotected and gel type candles are not permitted.
1. All candles shall be secured in a nonflammable solid holding device and protected by an
enclosure. Exception: Floating candles may not need to be secured.
2. The flame tip from the candle must be maintained a minimum of 2 inches below the top opening
of an enclosure or “Hurricane” at all times.
3. When used as part of a decoration or centerpiece, the flame of the candle shall not be within 6
inches of cut fresh foliage, nor within 12 inches of dry foliage or other combustibles at any time.
UNPROTECTED CANDLE EXCEPTIONS:
1. Tapered candles (self-extinguishing) used in nonflammable solid candelabras
with no additional decoration are not required to be provided with a flame stop
or enclosure.
2. Self-extinguishing tapered candles may be approved without an enclosure as
long as they meet the following requirements:
a. When used as part of a decoration or centerpiece, the candle must be of a
type constructed with an automatic stop, which will prevent burning past a
predetermined point. The flame of the candle shall not be within 6 inches of
fresh cut foliage, or within 12 inches of combustibles at any time.
b. All candles shall be secured with a holding device.
PLACEMENT RESTRICTIONS
1. Only one centerpiece used for holding candles shall be approved per table unit
regardless of the table size or shape.
2. The use of multiple loose candles or candle holding devices is not permitted. If
more than one candle or candle holding device are used on each table, those
candles or candle holding devices shall be placed and secured on a common
base. The amount of candles or candle holding devices placed on each table
unit shall be limited to 4. The base shall be constructed of a noncombustible
solid material.
3. Candles in excess of 4 may be permitted for use on candelabras on a case-bycase
basis.
4. Candles or candle holding devices shall be placed at least 24 inches from the
table’s edge, and a minimum of 5 feet from curtains, drapes, or other
decorations.