Yorkster, here's my very similar story that I posted previously:

Max's folks, I had forgotten about a similar incident I had with Cosmo, who had a big, bushy tail. He, also, had his own rules and was on the coffee table when his tail passed through the flaming candle. I was horrified to see it catch fire, so I reached for him. He thought I was reaching for him to throw him off the table, so he ran, so I ran after him, so he ran faster, all the while the flames shooting off his tail! I can laugh now, but believe me, I was not laughing then! I don't even remember how it was resolved now, but fortunately his tail was so hairy the fire never went down to his skin.