Smokers are being reminded to be vigilant of the fire risks attached to the habit.

According to the Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (HWFRS), fires caused by smoking products result in more fatalities than blazes sparked by any other item.

In 2022/23 smoking was the source of 35 per cent of all fatalities in accidental home fires in England.

 

 

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Emma Roberts, head of prevention at HWFRS, said: "Fires ignited by cigarettes or smoking materials result in more fatalities than any other fire.

"Despite a fall in the overall number of fires caused by these products, it’s still the biggest cause of accidental fires in the home across the country.

“Every smoker should be aware of the risks they take every time they light up and drop the habit of smoking indoors, especially in bed, or under the influence of alcohol.

"The risk of falling asleep before you ‘put it out, right out’ is just too great."

To help combat this hazard, the HWFRS is urging smokers to take note of the 'Put it Out, Right Out' campaign, and install working smoke alarms on every level of their home.

Alarms should be tested at least weekly.

Ms Roberts said: "Working smoke alarms can give you the extra time you need to escape if the worst should happen."

Among the practical steps recommended by the service to reduce smoking fire risk are: not smoking when tired or under the influence, using secure ashtrays, ensuring cigarettes are properly stubbed out, and of course, considering quitting.

If giving up smoking is an option, there’s support available via the NHS stop smoking services.

For further information or to arrange a free Home Fire Safety visit, residents can contact the HWFRS Prevention team on 0800 032 1155.

A free online Home Fire Safety check is also available at www.safelincs.co.uk/hfsc/.