SASKATOON — Smoking materials have emerged as a significant cause of outdoor fires, with the warming temperatures and increased outdoor activities posing a greater risk for improper storage and disposal.
In light of this, residents are urged to take necessary precautions, as highlighted below:
• Ensure safe storage of smoking materials in high places, out of the reach of children.
• When smoking, opt for a deep, sturdy ashtray that minimizes the risk of tipping over and can effectively hold ashes and cigarette butts.
• Dispose of smoking materials in metal, ceramic, or glass containers equipped with a lid and filled with water or sand at the base.
• Maintain a safe distance between disposed smoking materials and any flammable objects.
• Never discard smoking materials in vegetation, mulch, peat moss, potted plants, leaves, grass, or other readily combustible substances.
• Thoroughly extinguish smoking materials by dousing them in water or sand to ensure they are safe.
Smoking materials encompass various items, including cigarettes, cigars, electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), commonly known as vape pens, drug paraphernalia, lighters, and matches.
Recognizing that fires caused by smoking materials are entirely preventable is vital. A cigarette that is dropped or improperly disposed of can smolder for hours before igniting, and in windy conditions, it can ignite even sooner. It is crucial to exhibit responsibility and ensure that smoking materials are entirely and safely extinguished on every occasion.
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