Fire hazards associated with smoking

Published May 9, 2012
375th Civil Engineer Squadron Fire Department

SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- We've all heard the countless statistics and warnings about the dangers to your health from smoking. Many people only look at the physical damage that occurs to the lungs over a long period of time. There is a more insidious side to the smoking problem, one that occurs swiftly and without warning, something that can have far more serious results. We're talking fires caused by smoking.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, smoking is the leading cause of residential fire deaths, with the majority occurring between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. This is a result of several factors, from improper disposal of smoking materials in trash cans, cigarette butts falling between cushions in furniture, and falling asleep while smoking in bed which is the number one cause of smoking related fires in the home. No matter the circumstances, the resulting fire can take everything you own, and threatens your life and the lives of your loved ones.

Cigarette butts dropped between cushions, dumped in trash bags, or discarded on to a pile of leaves or in a grassy area can smolder for several hours after you are finished smoking. Cushions, trash, and bedding provide insulation that traps the heat and smoke so there is virtually no sign that you have a serious situation brewing. Eventually the temperature of the material reaches its ignition point and you have what is called a free burning fire. However, this is usually long after people have gone to sleep, which is where the real danger lies. The resulting smoke and superheated gasses released from the fire can actually cause you to fall into a deeper sleep, and eventually you literally choke to death. Strange as it may seem, this is where the majority of deaths occur; not from direct contact with fire, but from the inhalation of these deadly gasses from the smoke.

Following the tips below can help prevent tragedy from striking you:

· Dispose of smoking materials properly. Never dump cigarette butts in trash bags or containers without first thoroughly soaking them in water.

· If you smoke outside, use a non-combustible container, such as an ash tray or coffee can, and don't discard smoking material on the ground.

· After parties or family gatherings and before going to bed, always check your furniture. Lift the cushions and check in between the sides and backs, and under furniture.

· Provide plenty of ashtrays for people to use.

· Never smoke in bed.

· Make sure your smoke detector is in good working order. Push the test button at least once a month, and change out the battery every six months. A good rule of thumb is when you change your clocks, change your smoke detector battery.

· Sleep with your bedroom doors closed. This simple action can prevent smoke and poisonous gasses from entering your or a loved one's bedroom, and allows time for the smoke alarm to wake you in time to evacuate before the fire becomes too large.

· Sit down with your family and develop a home escape plan. Make sure you know two ways out of each room, and have a meeting point for all family members at least 75 feet away from the home. Practice your escape plan at least twice a year.

Finally, although not directly related to smoking fires, it's always sound advice to purchase renters or home owner's insurance. As anyone who has lived through this experience can tell you, without insurance it is a long, slow road back to a normal life.

If a fire or emergency occurs call 911, provide the dispatcher the nature of the emergency, location of the emergency, your name and call back number.