"Incense is a preparation of aromatic plant matter, often with the addition of essential oils
extracted from plant or animal sources, intended to release fragrant smoke for religious,
therapeutic, or aesthetic purposes as it smoulders." ...taken from WIKIPEDIA

Incense burning provides an easy and effective way to fragrance and add atmosphere to your home, shop etc .....   However, there are some safety issues to consider and they are mentioned below, along with some general instructions for incense burning for those who are newcomers to this way of adding fragrance to your home.

• Remove the wrapping from your incense and ready any instructions that came with it
• Place the uncoated end of the incense stick in your burner; place this on a heat resistant, stable surface, away from curtains and furnishings.  Ensure that your incense burner will catch any falling ash, if not place it on a dish or plate that will - ash can be hot and smoulder for sometime after falling, therefore becoming a fire hazard
• Light the coated end of the incense stick; allow it to burn for 5-10 seconds and then blow out the flame.  Your incense stick should glow hot, smoulder and release its fragrance into the room
• Your incense should smoulder for 30 - 45 minutes (these times vary depending on the brand and size of incense).
• Never leave burning incense unattended, always have it within your sight and away from the reach of children
• When the incense stick has burnt completely, wait for the ash to cool before discarding it in the bin - hot ash could smoulder and catch alight in a bin and cause a fire.

Remember, burning incense involves a flame and smouldering ash; these two things can be very dangerous, so take extreme care and enjoy the wonderful fragrances that are available in incense sticks.  Perhaps consider supplementing the fragrance of your incense with candle and fragrant oils in the same fragrance.