Lincolnshire smoking fire deaths prompt warning
New fire service figures have been released and it has been revealed that cigarettes caused every fatal house fire in Lincolnshire in 2012.
Although the figure of accidental dwelling fires fell to 212 compared with 365 in 2011 and 380 in 2010, fatalities rose from one to three.
It was added by the fire service that those involved in smoking-related fires often needed more medical help and officers said such incidents tended to happen as people were falling asleep and appealed for smokers to take care.
The Fire Safety Manager said: “These accidental fires often start when people are at their most vulnerable, which is why they are so often fatal.
“So, we are trying to encourage people to not smoke when feeling tired, especially in bed or lounging in a chair. And to remember that if they have been drinking alcohol or taking medication, they may feel drowsy.”
It is advised also that smokers should always use an ashtray, never smoke in bed and make sure the contents of ashtrays were completely extinguished.