PROTECT your family from potential house fires is the message from Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service this month.
Along with Warwickshire County Council, the fire service council is encouraging residents to quit smoking to avoid related fires, as part of the authority’s Stobtober campaign.
Government research states there were 6,572 fire incidents recorded in the UK between 2020 and 2021 where smokers’ materials, lighters or matches were the source of ignition.
Smoking-related fires can be caused by people smoking in bed, knocking over ashtrays or leaving lit cigarettes unattended.
Since such minor actions can have fatal consequences, in the same time period there were 908 fatalities in the UK where smoking was the cause.
WCC safety spokesman Andy Crump said: “This Stoptober is a great time for people in Warwickshire to try and kick their smoking habit not just for their personal wellbeing but for the safety of others. I know that it can be a truly difficult task to change a habit that some people may have maintained for many years however there are so many reasons to stop smoking such as the increased risk of housefires.
“This change in lifestyle can protect friends and family from tragic accidents that can have devastating consequences. Warwickshire County Council is fully supportive of people trying to quit and our Quit4Good service is there to help residents.”
Precautions smokers can take against fires include smoking outside, keeping smoking paraphernalia away from children, emptying ashtrays regularly and ensuring cigarettes are fully out and disposed of properly.
Closing all doors before going to bed can help minimise the risk of fire spread.
Warwickshire’s stop smoking support service, Quit4Good, is a free 12-week programme providing regular support from expert advisors and stop smoking medication.
Visit quit4good.warwickshire.gov.uk for more information.
Pregnant women can also receive free confidential advice and treatment from the Stop Smoking in Pregnancy Service. Visit www.Quit4Baby.co.uk for more details.