Prevent Cigarette Fires Inside and Out

2/25/2020 (Permalink)

Always smoke outside to diminish the risk of a house fire

How Can You Reduce The Risk Of a Cigarette Fire?

The number of cigarette smokers in the U.S. is significantly lower than a few years ago, yet cigarettes are still a leading cause of home fires. The embers of a cigarette can burn hotter than the flame of your lighter or match. Caution should always be taken when smoking, especially indoors or around flammable materials outside. Even an ashtray fire can quickly turn into a disaster if not properly supervised. So, how can you reduce the risk of a cigarette fire?

1. Don’t Smoke in Bed

The sheets and blankets on a bed can brush the cigarette and catch fire or the ashes can fall in between the folds, igniting a fire. There’s the added risk that you’ll drift off to sleep before the cigarette has burnt out completely.

2. Practice Caution Indoors

Always smoke outside to diminish the risk of a house fire. Caution should be taken outside as well, though. Try to smoke away from anything flammable; dead leaves and pine needles are extremely flammable. It’s best to stay on a patio or driveway. Never throw a lit cigarette or cigarette butt on the ground.

3. Be Mindful of a Breeze

Whether indoors or out, a breeze can carry an ember away, sparking whatever it comes in contact with. A cigarette fire can get out of control before you even notice it.

4. Don’t Smoke Around an Oxygen Machine

Smoking around pure oxygen is a serious hazard, even if the oxygen machine is turned off. Since fire requires oxygen to burn, pure oxygen allows it to burn even hotter and faster than normal.
If you are a smoker, manage your cigarette closely and make sure it’s properly extinguished. Also, be sure to keep your smoke detectors maintained. If your La Grange, IL, home sustains damage from a cigarette fire, you can count on fire cleanup professionals. They’ll return your home to its preloss condition.