Overview
- Fire authorities report a sharp seasonal rise in household fires, with Upper Austria logging about 100 candle-related blazes annually and candles linked to roughly one in ten fire deaths in Austria.
- Consumer advisories caution that cheap or old string lights can overheat or deliver dangerous electric shocks, urging buyers to choose GS-, VDE- or TÜV-certified products rather than relying on a CE mark alone.
- LED light strings are recommended over incandescent sets because they operate much cooler and reduce ignition risk, according to expert testing cited in the coverage.
- Outdoor decorations should carry the proper ingress-protection rating such as IP44, and unsecured items that go airborne in storms can trigger liability for tenants or owners without suitable insurance.
- Open-flame hazards remain significant as clustered tealights can create flash flames, candles degrade indoor air quality with soot and fine particulates, and officials stress never leaving flames unattended while keeping extinguishing tools and working smoke detectors ready.