Tips for Preventing Smoking-Related Fires

In response to that left an 85-year-old man critically injured and sent two other people to the hospital, Montgomery County Fire and Rescue released fire safety tips about smoking in the house.

The fire at 8106 Whites Ford Way in Potomac happened because a cigarette was not properly discarded in the den, said Montgomery County Fire Spokesman Scott Graham. The elderly inhabitants of the house smoked non fire-safe cigarettes meaning that it did not extinguish itself when left unattended.

Every year, about 1,000 smokers and non-smokers are killed in home fires caused by cigarettes and other smoking materials, according to the United States Fire Administration.

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue passed along tips from the U.S. Fire Administration that will help keep people safe and prevent house fires when smoking cigarettes.

• Use ashtrays with a wide, stable base that are hard to tip over. If it wobbles, it won’t work.
• Ashtrays should be set on something sturdy and hard to ignite, like a table.
• Put out the cigarette all the way every time. The cigarette needs to be completely stubbed out in the ashtray.
• Soak cigarette butts and ashes in water before throwing them away. Never toss hot cigarette butts or ashes in the trash.
• Chairs and sofas catch on fire fast and burn fast. Don’t put ashtrays on them. If people have been smoking in the home, check for cigarettes under cushions.
• Never smoke while using oxygen or anywhere near an oxygen source, even if the source is turned off. Oxygen makes any fire burn hotter and faster.
• If you smoke, use reduced ignition strength cigarettes, commonly referred to as "fire-safe cigarettes."
• If you are drowsy or falling asleep, put the cigarette out. Smoking in bed is not safe.
• Close a matchbook before striking and hold it away from your body. Set your lighter on low flame setting.