Smoking is a leading cause of accidental domestic property fires in England. That’s why this March; Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS) is urging residents to make sure that they put their cigarettes out before disposing of them.
Paul Scott, Prevention Manager at RBFRS, says: “In England, more people die in domestic fires caused by cigarettes and smoking products than any other cause, and the risk is even higher for smokers who also use emollient creams or supplemental oxygen.
“Consider eliminating the risk completely by quitting smoking, only smoking outside if possible, or reducing the risk by switching to vaping.
“When smoking ensure you have a heavyweight ashtray – one that can’t tip over and is made of a material that won’t burn. A small amount of water in the bottom of the ashtray will help ensure the cigarette is completely extinguished when stubbed out.
“Never leave cigarettes and other smoking products unattended. Make sure you put them out, right out, and dispose of them carefully before they have the chance to start a fire.
“Last but certainly not least, make sure you never smoke in bed. This is especially important if you use emollient creams as they can make your bedding more flammable and don’t wash out easily.”
Follow our advice to prevent your home going up in smoke:
- Use a proper ashtray – never a wastepaper basket.
- Make sure your ashtray can’t tip over and is made of a material that won’t burn.
- Take extra care if you smoke when you’re tired, taking medication, or if you’ve been drinking.
- Keep matches and lighters out of children’s reach.
- Consider buying child-resistant lighters and matchboxes.
- Never smoke in bed.
- Don’t leave lit cigarettes, cigars or pipes unattended. They can easily start a fire.
- Emollient users should keep fabrics contaminated with emollient residue away from naked flames, cigarettes, and other heat sources – do not smoke if there is any chance your clothing or dressings could be contaminated with emollient residue.
- Never smoke or let someone else smoke near you whilst using your oxygen equipment – this includes the use of e-cigarettes.
- Never charge or let anyone charge batteries of e-cigarettes near you or the oxygen source.
Read our website for more smoking fire safety.