Smoking is the Leading Cause of Fatal Fires
The improper use and disposal of smoking materials (of all kinds) is the leading cause of fire deaths in Massachusetts. Smoking fires can smolder undetected before bursting into flames on a bed, in a sofa, or a pile of mulch.
Smoking when you're drowsy or impaired is dangerous. Most fatal smoking fires begin in the living room or bedroom, often in a couch, easy chair, or bed. Smoking on home oxygen is especially dangerous because the oxygen allows fires to start easier, grow faster, and burn hotter.
Porch fires are also a major cause of fast-moving fires that can threaten our densely built neighborhoods. A fire on the porch can grow to dangerous size and remain undetected by occupants or interior smoke alarms until it's too late. These fires can quickly spread to multiple structures.
If you must smoke, or if you have guests who do, use a heavy ashtray and place it on a sturdy surface. Fill it with water or sand to ensure that butts are fully extinguished. Remember to Put it Out, All The Way, Every Time. Never toss ashes, butts, or other smoking materials in the trash, in potted plants, or over the railing of a porch.
DFS has developed public service announcements on the proper (and improper) disposal of smoking materials. You can find them in the Public Service Announcements playlist on the DFS YouTube channel.