The Dangers of Smoking Fires
Smoking Fires Are the Most Deadly Of All Fires
More people die in smoking fires than in any other type of fire. Smoking fires – which are most often cigarette fires – usually happen when a lit tobacco product is improperly discarded or abandoned, igniting a mattress, bedding, upholstered furniture, trash, or other combustible item.
Smoking Fires are Hard to Escape
Many victims of smoking fires have trouble escaping because at the onset of the fire, they are often either asleep, slowed by alcohol or medication, or challenged by physical, sensory or cognitive problems.
In addition, the materials most commonly ignited in smoking fires are mattresses, bedding, upholstered furniture, and clothing. In these cases, the close proximity of the person to the fire reduces his or her ability to extinguish or escape before being overcome by the smoke and flames.
Matches, Lighters and Children
While it may seem like common sense to keep children away from fire-starting materials, it is important to keep in mind that matches and lighters are particularly attractive to children – which presents a unique fire risk. Most fire deaths in children under age 5 are attributed to children playing with matches or lighters – usually alone in their bedrooms. Be sure to keep matches and lighters well out of the reach of children and teach kids about fire safety from an early age. Check out our
Junior Fire Marshal program for fun, interactive ways to teach kids about fire dangers and prevention.
Prevent Cigarette Fires in Your Home
Smoking in bed, or anywhere at home, puts everyone at risk. Adopt these fire sense behaviors to minimize the risk of smoking fires:
- If you smoke, consider quitting smoking or refraining from smoking in your home, and do not allow others to smoke in your home.
- Avoid smoking in bed, particularly when sleepy or when you have used medications or alcohol that could make you drowsy.
- Use large, heavy, non-tip ashtrays.
- Extinguish cigarettes and other smoking materials thoroughly to prevent butts and ashes from igniting other materials. Douse matches under water before disposing to insure they won’t cause anything to ignite.
- Use child-resistant lighters and keep matches and lighters out of the reach of children.
