A burning issue: smoking materials and fire risk

In recent weeks there has been a noticeable increase in fires resulting from the improper or inadequate storage and disposal of smoking materials; this is of immediate concern to the Saskatoon Fire Department.

Residents are reminded to: 

• Safely store smoking materials up high, away from children’s reach. 
• When smoking, use a deep, heavy ashtray that does not tip over to hold ashes and butts. 
• Dispose of smoking materials in a metal, ceramic or glass container with a lid that has water or sand at the bottom.  
• Keep disposed smoking materials a safe distance from anything combustible. 
• Never discard smoking materials in vegetation, mulch, peat moss, potted plants, leaves, grasses, or other easily combustible materials. 
• Douse smoking materials in water or sand to ensure they are safely out. 

Smoking materials include, but are not limited to: 

• Cigarettes 
• Cigars 
• Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), otherwise known as vape pens 
• Drug paraphernalia 
• Lighters and matches

Smoking material fires are preventable fires. A dropped or improperly disposed cigarette can smoulder for hours before bursting into flames or can ignite sooner in windy conditions. Be a responsible smoker and properly put out smoking materials completely and safely, every time.

For more information, visit saskatoon.ca/smokingmaterials.