Recently, the Bismarck Fire Department has seen an increase in outside fires attributed to the “improper disposal of smoking materials.” These fires, specifically, have been located on the exterior balcony of residential buildings and other exterior areas of commercial properties. While these fires were quickly extinguished, with no injuries and minimum property loss, they also emphasize the incredible risk that “improper disposal of smoking materials” can create for life and property. The U.S. Fire Administration identifies “smoking” as the number one cause of home fire deaths in the United States. These fires often affect not only the smoker, but others living in or next to the home at the time of the fire.
The Bismarck Fire Department reminds smokers to “Put it Out, All the Way, Every Time.” If you smoke, smoke outside in “designated areas.” Follow these action steps for the proper disposal of smoking materials:
• Dispose of smoking materials within approved, non-combustible receptacles.
• If an approved smoking-material receptacle is not available, utilize a metal can filled with sand to properly extinguish.
• Soak cigarette butts and ashes in water before disposing.
• Don’t dispose of hot cigarette butts and ashes in the trash or upon vegetative materials such as potted plants, peat moss, landscaping mulch, dried grasses leaves or other things that could ignite easily.
The Bismarck Fire Department asks for your help to avoid the life safety risks contributed to by the improper disposal of smoking materials. Smoking material fires are preventable. For more information visit www.bismarcknd.gov/fire or contact the Bismarck Fire Department at 701-355-1400.