Improperly discarded smoking materials cause fires
The Seattle Fire Department responded to two multi-residential building fires on balconies in February. In both cases, improperly discarded smoking materials caused the fires.
Safety Precautions for Residents
- If you smoke, smoke outside. Make sure to extinguish cigarettes in an approved container.
- Use deep ashtrays. If ashtrays are not available, use a metal can or pail. Never empty smoking material directly into a trash can. Place the ashtrays or metal cans away from anything that can burn.
- Don’t leave lit smoking materials unattended. Put them out before you walk away.
- Do not throw out cigarettes into vegetation, potted plants, landscaping, peat moss, dried grasses, mulch, leaves or other similar materials—they can easily catch fire.
