Clarington Fire asks residents to butt out and ensure cigarettes are extinguished properly

Clarington September 28, 2020/- After two overnight fires where cigarettes appear to be the cause, Clarington Fire is reminding residents to be vigilant and dispose of their cigarette butts safely.

Overnight, Clarington fire crews responded to fires in Bowmanville and Kendal. Fire crews from Bowmanville, Courtice and Newcastle received a call at 1:13 a.m. for a garage fire in Bowmanville. The homeowner was able to gain control and extinguish the fire as crews arrived and firefighters ensured that the fire was fully out. No one was injured in that fire.

Just ten minutes later, fire dispatch received a call at 1:23 a.m. for a fire in Kendal. The fire was confined to the deck and was extinguished quickly by crews. There was no damage to the home, and no one was injured.

“It is imperative that people are careful while smoking in the home. Residents need to dispose of their cigarettes properly, making sure that they are fully extinguished and don’t pose a fire risk,” said Clarington Emergency and Fire Services Chief, Gord Weir.

To better protect your home, Clarington Fire is sharing some tips for proper cigarette butt disposal:

• Never put out cigarettes or smoking material in flower planters, peat moss, your lawn or garden. Instead, use a deep, wide, sturdy metal container with a lid, filled partway with sand or water that should be emptied regularly.
• Ensure all butts and ash are out by soaking them with water before putting in the trash.

“As many people continue to work from home, it’s important to be extra careful and cautious to protect families and homes,” added Chief Weir.

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Media Contact:
Basia Radomski
Communications Manager
905-623-3379 ext. 2214