No. I love the look of them and the smell of them, but I've been to too many house fires accidentally lit by candles (and plenty where there were only adults present) and been involved in major burns surgery for too many children. They aren't experiences that leave quickly.
Yup, fires/ burns happen with candles and incense.

They also happen with fire associated with cooking

Drowning happens with water

Accidents happen in cars


As I have with cars, water, and cooking using flames, I have chosen to use candles. I will never say "it won't happen to me", for ANY of the scenarios I listed, but engaging safe usage practices for each of them minimizes risks to a point I am comfortable using them.

I understand, in your profession, that you have witnessed a lot that many of us will never have to see, Kim, but reading your post I honestly got a vibe that it was irresponsible for anyone to use them. Safe practices are there for a reason. So long as they are used SAFELY there is no problem. It is people leaving flames unsupervised, whether from a candle or a cooking appliance, or using them in an unsafe location or near unsafe materials that lead to fires being started. It's not about age - I know many many adults that wouldn't bother taking steps to make sure an area was safe.

Perhaps I have misread your intent of your post and if I have I apologies. My interpretation was that you were saying candles are TOO unsafe. I can think of MANY unsafe activities (as mentioned) that we do daily. We weigh up the risks, put in place best safety practices, and continue to do them. They are not necessarily needs based, but we continue because the risk is minimal, and the positive outcome to our own existence outweighs any perceived risks kwim?