Yikes, what frightening stories! I never leave a room any longer when a candle is burning. Between the dogs and cats, no where to place a candle that is safe! Even the electric stove, which I HATE!! When the burner is on low, or having just been turned off, it remains hot, yet does not glow red. The kitty's can't "see" and flame to avoid! Twice now they have accidentally stepped on the burner while it was still hot. Once, Lizzie's tail got singed as it brushed over it! Now I place a kettle with water on any burner that is heating up or cooling off!