Smoker
More people die in fires started through
smoking than any other cause. Tobacco burns at very high
temperatures – it’s designed to stay lit. This is why cigarettes
can so quickly start a fire.
- 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.
- 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.
- Every year children die after starting fires with cigarettes,
matches and lighters which they shouldn’t have been touching. Where
possible, buy child-resistant lighters and matchboxes.
- Only use a proper, heavy ashtray which can’t tip over easily
and is made of a material that won’t burn. It’s a good idea to put
ashtrays outdoors before you go to bed.