You won't believe what exploded with a deafening crack - Find out what it was!

The tranquillity of a Sydney home was shattered when a seemingly harmless household item turned into a source of terror. Lola, a Sydney mum, was enjoying a quiet evening with her son when their sense of security was abruptly disrupted by an unexpected explosion. The culprit? A popular Kmart 'Creme Brulee' scented candle that suddenly burst into flames, sending shards of glass flying and igniting a fire right in their living room.


Candles have long been cherished for their ability to create a cosy and aromatic atmosphere in our homes. They're a staple for many who seek to unwind after a long day or to add a touch of warmth to a chilly evening. However, Lola's harrowing experience serves as a stark reminder that even the simplest pleasures come with risks.


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The candle was lit for about 40 minutes before it cracked and exploded. Image Credit: Lola


Lola recounts the incident with a palpable sense of shock. 'There was no warning,' she said. 'I heard a loud cracking sound, then the candle exploded and I screamed. Within seconds, the wick had spread all over the broken glass and there was a mound of fire.' The explosion left her entryway table, where the candle was placed, covered in shattered glass and sporting a large burn mark. Thankfully, Lola's quick thinking prevented further damage or injury as she smothered the flames with a damp kitchen towel.


The incident raises important questions about product safety and consumer awareness. Lola, who had been using candles for many years without issue, admits she overlooked the warning on the packaging that advises against using the candle once it has burnt to 1 cm from the base of the holder. 'I didn't read [the instructions],' she says. 'I didn't think I needed to as I've used candles for many years, and always the same way.'

But this wasn't an isolated event. Lola reveals that this was the second time a Kmart candle had exploded in her home, although the first incident did not result in a fire. Her story is not unique, as she discovered from the responses to her Facebook post warning others of the danger. Many people shared similar experiences, suggesting a potential pattern that could indicate a broader issue with the product.

Lola's attempts to contact Kmart have so far been unsuccessful, and without a receipt, she has not sought a refund. She remains in possession of another unused Kmart candle, which now serves as a mere decoration, its purpose as a source of light and fragrance forever unfulfilled.


The incident has not dampened Lola's love for fragranced candles, but it has certainly ignited a desire for greater scrutiny of the products we bring into our homes. 'I think candles are safe,' she explains. 'I just think manufacturers shouldn't make flammable products that can break so easily.'

As members of the Seniors Discount Club, we understand the appeal of finding budget-friendly items that enhance our living spaces. However, Lola's experience is a powerful reminder to always prioritise safety over savings. It's essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions and to be vigilant about the quality and condition of the products we use.

We urge our readers to be cautious when purchasing and using candles. Always place them on a stable surface away from flammable materials, never leave them unattended, and adhere to the recommended usage guidelines. If you have experienced a similar incident, we encourage you to report it to the retailer and to consumer protection agencies to help prevent future accidents.


At the time of writing, Kmart has not responded to inquiries regarding the incident. We hope that this event will lead to a thorough investigation and, if necessary, prompt action to ensure the safety of consumers.
Key Takeaways

  • A Sydney mother experienced a candle explosion from a Kmart 'Creme Brulee' scented candle which resulted in a fire and shattered glass spreading around her home.
  • Despite following certain safety measures, the fire occurred when the candle was lit for 40 minutes, which is below the advised 4-hour maximum burn time stated on the packaging.
  • The incident has led the mother to demand that Kmart discontinue the product, emphasising that it wasn’t user error as similar incidents had been reported by others.
  • Kmart had not responded to the incident at the time of publication, and the mother remains undecided on whether to use another unused Kmart candle she has at home.
Have you ever had a frightening experience with a household item that you thought was safe? Share your stories with us in the comments below. Your experiences could help raise awareness and keep others safe.
 
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I don't think you should leave a candle in glass for that long. The recommended maximum 4 hour burn time I would suggest is the life of the candle not how long you can keep it burning in one sitting. Personally I wouldn't burn candles in my home at all. The quote below is from another website

"Burning a candle releases chemicals that can be potentially dangerous to human health. However, no definitive research shows that exposure to candle smoke increases your risk of developing any health condition. Inhaling any type of smoke can be unhealthy. If you plan on using candles regularly, burning them in a ventilated room is a good idea to minimize the smoke you breathe in."
 
If this is the second time you would think she would've learnt her lesson the first time. Letting a candle burn that low causes a concentrated heat spot so I have all my candles on cork coasters to prevent this. Maybe she need to get her some to read out loud the warnings written for a cause.
 

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