Furniture Fire – In the Hot Seat

Fire-Smart Furniture Buys

Most consumers don't know how easily their furnishings and mattresses can burn. Although foam manufacturers provide warning labels about the hazards of burning foam, these warnings don't always reach a consumer buying new furniture.

When shopping for upholstered furniture, choose products that are specifically designed to be more fire resistant than conventional furniture. Look for products made under the Upholstered Furniture Action Council (UFAC) program, or furnishings that meet the requirements of the California Bureau of Home Furnishings (CAL 117 or 133).

UFAC

Manufacturers complying with this voluntary standard use foam and/or certain fabrics that are more resistant to ignition from smoldering cigarettes. This furniture is available nationwide and can be identified by a temporary gold UFAC hang tag on the furniture at the time of purchase.

CAL 117

Upholstered furniture that complies with this standard is made with foam and/or certain fabrics that are more fire resistant than conventional furniture. It is the only new upholstered furniture that can be sold in California, and some manufacturers sell it in other states, as well. Look for a special white CAL 117 label on the underside of the seating or beneath the cushion.

CAL 133

The most fire-safe furniture complies with this standard. Many manufacturers will produce CAL 133-compliant seating on request and at additional cost. Look for a special white CAL 133 label on the underside of the seating or beneath the cushion.

Warning: While upholstered furniture that complies with any of these standards will still burn, it is safer than conventional furniture and offers better protection for you and your family.

Furniture Fires and Smoking

Smoking and upholstered furniture don't mix. Improperly discarded smoking materials and ashes can easily ignite upholstered furniture and mattresses. Follow these important safety steps:

• Do not smoke when drowsy, intoxicated or when using medication that causes drowsiness.
• When lighting smoking materials, be sure sparks do not land on the seating.
• Use large deep ashtrays and do not rest them on sofas or chairs.
• Replace your old mattress. Mattresses manufactured after 1973 are required to be more resistant to ignition by cigarettes.

Learn more about the dangers of smoking in bed.

Fire-Safe Furniture Placement

The placement of upholstered furniture in your home can be important for your safety.

• Leave at least 3 feet of space between furniture and space heaters, fireplaces, and wood stoves.
• Keep electrical cords, lamps and appliances away from upholstered furniture and mattresses.
• Keep open flames such as candles away from upholstered furniture, draperies and lampshades.