Fire Started by Smoldering Cigarette Discarded in Trash Can

Montgomery County, MD - - - A man narrowly escaped from a house that caught fire early Saturday morning and investigators have determined that a cigarette discarded in a kitchen trash can was the cause of the fire.

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue personnel were dispatched shortly after 7:30 a.m. to the 13000 block of Payson Street in Rockville for the report of a house fire. Firefighters quickly brought the fire under control and investigators were requested to the scene and have determined that an improperly discarded cigarette started the fire in the trash can. Investigators have confirmed that there were no working smoke alarms in the house and have estimated that the fire caused $195,000 in damages.

The resident was transported to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries and was expected to be released over the weekend.  

There are countless statistics and warnings about the health dangers of smoking however many overlook the very serious hazards of home fires created by cigarettes. According to the National Fire Protection Association, smoking is the leading cause of residential fire deaths.

The following tips can help prevent a 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 or in mulch.

     · After parties or family gatherings and before going to bed, always check your furniture if people have been smoking. 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.

     · Sleep with your bedroom doors closed. This simple action can prevent smoke and poisonous gasses from entering your bedroom and allows time for the smoke alarm to wake you in time to safely evacuate.

     · Develop a home escape plan with your family. Make sure you know two ways out of each room and have a pre-designated meeting place. It is recommended that you practice your escape plan at least twice a year.

     · Make sure your smoke alarm is in good working order. Push the test button at least once a month, change the battery annually and remember that all smoke alarm units should be replaced every 10 years.
 

Smoking and Home Fires

In light of yesterday’s tragic house fire in Potomac that has seriously injured an 85 year old man, I thought it prudent to pass along some pertinent safety tips.

If you smoke or know someone who does, it is well worth your time to review some of the links I have provided below. Smoking related fires can be prevented.

Smoking and Fire Safety
 
Smoking & Home Fires Campaign
 
Fight Fire with Facts: Careless Smoking


Stay Safe,

Bill

Fire in Landscaping Materials and Mulch

The Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service reminds residents to use caution and common sense when it comes to fire safety as warm weather arrives. One of the most common causes of fires this time of year is improperly discarded smoking materials.

Montgomery County Fire Chief Richard Bowers is urging residents to be aware of the dangers of improperly discarded cigarettes, particularly around landscaping. “The risk of a mulch fire is more common than one might expect. We have seen a steep increase in mulch fires as commercial and public facilities ban smoking inside buildings and smoking materials are discarded into landscaped areas as people enter and/or exit a building presenting a significant safety hazard,” said Chief Bowers.

In order to reduce the potential for a fire in landscaping materials and mulch, the following guidelines are recommended:

• If you smoke, PLEASE properly dispose of all smoking materials and matches.

• If you see anything smoking in a landscaped bed, put it out safely if possible and immediately report it to someone inside the building. If the burning material is not thoroughly doused with water or removed, it may re-ignite.

• Grounds maintenance crews should be aware of the conditions that are favorable for mulch fires and increase surveillance of mulched areas.

• Businesses should provide proper receptacles for smoking materials at all entrances to public buildings and in designated smoking areas. Do not use mulch in or near these areas.

• Provide a minimum of an 18-inch clearance between landscaping mulch beds and combustible building materials. Ensure proper clearance to electric devices, such as decorative lights, by following the manufacturer’s instructions.

• Do not use old planter pots that contain potting soil as an ashtray. Many mixtures include different types of fertilizers that are oxidizers and will accelerate the rate that a fire will grow.

• Although mulch helps retain soil moisture, when dry, it can become flammable. Keep landscaping moist if possible.

The Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service also reminds citizens to always have working smoke alarms on every level of their home and a home fire escape plan. It is best to practice that plan at least twice a year – more often with small children. The plan should include two ways out of every room, a meeting place outside the home and instructions for calling 9-1-1 immediately after exiting the home. For more fire and life safety information, visit us at www.mcfrs.org/mcsafe