Stark warning to smokers and carers

Smokers and those who care for people who smoke are being reminded of simple ways to prevent fires.

In 2024/25 Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service attended 20 accidental house fires caused by carelessly discarded smoking materials and has already been to nine since April this year.

Head of Prevention for Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, Steve Sugars said: “On average in England, every seven days someone dies from a fire caused by smokers’ materials.

“If you or a loved one are a smoker, we need you to be extra vigilant when smoking and discarding cigarettes. This is particularly pertinent following a recent fatal fire in Bedfordshire, in which the fire is believed to have been started by smoking material.”

“Simple things like smoking outside, extinguishing cigarettes properly, never smoking whilst in bed and ensuring you have working smoke alarms in your house can all help in preventing fires.”

The Service offers free home fire safety visits to residents. If you or someone you know smokes, particularly if they are elderly or have mobility issues, please reach out to arrange a visit. 

10 essential safety tips for smoking

1. Put it out, right out! Make sure your cigarette is fully extinguished by using an ashtray, which is regularly emptied.
2. It's safer to smoke outside in an open, well-ventilated space.
3. Never smoke in bed and avoid smoking on armchairs and sofas – particularly when you’re tired and might fall asleep.
4. Take extra care when under the influence of alcohol or taking prescription drugs – your ability to escape may be affected.
5. Fit a smoke alarm on every floor of your property and test it weekly. A working smoke alarm can buy you valuable time to get out, stay out and call 999.
6. Never leave lit cigarettes, cigars or pipes unattended or sat on the edge of an ashtray – they can easily overbalance as they burn down.
7. Use a deep, heavy ashtray that can’t tip over easily and is made of a material that won’t burn.
8. Always dispose of your butts and empty ashtrays carefully. Make sure smoking materials are out, cold and preferably wet before throwing into a safe and secure bin. Never use a wastepaper basket.
9. Keep matches and lighters out of children’s reach and buy child-resistant lighters.
10. Never smoke if you use healthcare equipment like medical oxygen or an air flow pressure relief mattress. If you use emollients and skin creams, consider using fire retardant bedding or nightwear, changing clothing and bedding regularly (preferable daily) and washing fabrics at high temperature.