Smoking Ban Caution 28/06/07

Date:   28.06.07

As the Department of Health's Smoke free legislation comes into force on 1st July, North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service would like to remind smokers to be extra careful when smoking at home. As smoking in enclosed public places becomes illegal, more smokers are anticipated to smoke in their own homes.

Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson, Station Manager Carl Boasman says:" Each year 1,770 people are either killed or injured by fires caused by smoking at home.  Around a third of these fires occur between 10pm and 3am, when people have gone to bed, or come in from a night out." He continues "Nationally, Fire and Rescue Services are called to over 600,000 fires in the home. Many of these fires are caused by discarded smoker's materials."

• Put it out, right out! Make sure your cigarette is fully extinguished.
• Take extra care when you're tired, taking any sort of drugs or have been drinking alcohol. It's very easy to fall asleep while your cigarette is still burning.
• Never smoke in bed - if you need to lie down, don't light up.
• Never leave lit cigarettes, cigars or pipes unattended - they can easily overbalance as they burn down.
• Tap your ash into an ashtray, never a wastebasket containing other rubbish and don't let the ash or cigarette ends build up in the ashtray.
• Fit and maintain a smoke alarm - A working smoke alarm can save your life.

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service offers a free Home Fire Risk Check to every home in North Yorkshire. Fire and Rescue staff can visit homes to check for fire hazards. It could save your family's life.

Smoke alarms can be fitted as part of this check, which is free.

For more information call the Fire Safety Advice line 01609 788545 or visit our website www.northyorksfire.gov.uk