Smoking
Did you know that more people die in fires caused by smoking than in fires resulting from any other single cause? This is because tobacco is designed to stay lit, which is why cigarettes can so easily start an accidental fire.
Follow the safety advice below when smoking cigarettes, cigars or pipes:
- Don't leave lit cigarettes, cigars or pipes unattended - they can easily overbalance as they burn down, land on a carpet or newspaper and start a fire. When you put it out, make sure it really is out.
- Make sure you stub cigarettes out properly and dispose of them carefully - put them right out!
- Every year children die from starting fires with cigarettes, matches and lighters which they shouldn't have. Keep these where children can't reach them.
- Where possible, buy child-resistant lighters and matchboxes.
- Use a proper, heavy ashtray which can't tip over easily and is made of a material that won't burn.
- Tap your ash into an ashtray - never a wastebasket - and don't let the ash or cigarette ends build up in the ashtray.
- Take extra care when you're tired, taking prescription drugs or have been drinking alcohol. It's very easy to fall asleep without realising that your cigarette is still burning.
- If you need to lie down, don't light up. You could easily doze off and set your bed or sofa on fire.
This safety advice is offered as guidance only. If in doubt, Get out, Stay out and get the Fire and Rescue Service out!
