House fires prompt cigarette safety warnings

Following a number of house fires over the weekend, Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue are reminding people to take care with smoking materials. Every three days someone dies from a fire caused by a cigarette in this country.

Garry Speed, Community Fire Safety Co-ordinator, said:

“More people die in fires caused by smoking than in fires with any other single cause. Because tobacco is designed to stay alight, cigarettes can easily start an accidental fire. They are hotter than you think – cigarettes can burn at temperatures of over 700°C.

“People should use their common sense to help keep their home and family safe from fire by making sure when a cigarette is put out, that it really is out! Take care if you smoke when you are drowsy, taking prescription drugs, or if you have been drinking. It’s too easy to fall asleep and not notice that a cigarette is still burning. Don’t light up if you need to lie down. Despite the risk of falling asleep or setting the bed on fire, people are still smoking in bed.”

Other advice includes:

– Be careful when smoking when drinking. Passing out with a cigarette in hand can lead to severe burns, permanent scarring, or even death.

– Don’t leave smoking materials lying around. They can easily overbalance as they burn down, land on a carpet or a newspaper and start a fire.

– Use a proper ashtray. Make sure the ashtray is heavy, can’t tip over easily, and is made of a material that won’t burn. Never tap ash into a wastepaper basket – only an ashtray.

– Take responsibility and keep lighters and matches out of reach of children. Every year children die from starting fires with cigarettes and lighters they should not have.

Gary said:

“The best way to protect yourself and your home is to buy a smoke alarm and have an escape plan in case of fire. Smoke alarms cost from as little as £5 and you can get them from supermarkets and in high street stores. Smoke alarms do save lives. Fit one on every floor of your home and test the batteries regularly.”

People are also encouraged to make a ‘fire action plan’ involving everyone in their home, especially children, the elderly and disabled. This involves making sure everyone who lives or visits you at home knows what to do if there is a fire.

Further information and advice for members of the public on all matters regarding fire safety is available from the Community Fire Safety department on 01522 582222 or email cfs@lincoln.fire-uk.org

Further information about Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue, including safety advice can be found at http://www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/lfr The Fire Kills website also provides fire safety information and is available at http://www.firekills.gov.uk