London Fire Department Reminds Residents about the Dangers of Careless Smoking
The London Fire Department would like to remind all residents of the dangers of careless smoking. So far, in 2017, there have been over 20 fires caused by the careless disposal of smoking materials, resulting in two fire deaths, multiple injuries and over $500,000 in damage. Of the last four fire deaths in London, three were attributed to careless smoking.
Careless smoking continues to be the leading cause of fire deaths in London and the Province. “We are seeing far too many fires being caused by the careless disposal of smoking materials,” says Deputy Fire Chief Jack Burt. “The fires caused by cigarettes are entirely preventable.”
Some things to consider regarding smoking safety in your home includes:
- Encourage smokers to smoke outside.
- Do not extinguish cigarettes in plant pots, which may contain a mixture of peat moss, shredded wood and bark that can easily ignite.
- Never smoke in bed.
- Use large, deep ashtrays that cannot be knocked over.
- Empty ashes into a metal container – not the garbage can – and put it outside.
- If people have been smoking in your home, check behind chair and sofa cushions for cigarette butts.
- If you are a smoker, use reduced ignition propensity cigarettes. Reduced ignition propensity cigarettes have been designed to self-extinguish when left unpuffed. Cigarettes which do not have the reduced ignition propensity can continue burning when left unattended and can smolder if dropped on mattresses, furniture, or other combustible materials.
Install smoke alarms on every story of your home and outside all sleeping areas. For added protection, install a smoke alarm in every bedroom. Test smoke alarms every month and replace the batteries at least once a year. Replace all smoke alarms that are expired or over 10 years of age.
For further information:
Deputy Fire Chief Jack Burt
Office: 519 661-2489 (CITY) ext. 5614
Source: London Fire Department | News Release cigarette disposal
