![Firefighters Urge Smokers to Use Caution](https://townsquare.media/site/113/files/2020/02/Cigarettes-e1477699500596.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Firefighters Urge Smokers to Use Caution
Do you smoke cigarettes or cigars? If you do the Washington State Fire Marshal's office has a warning for you.
Nationally from 2012-2016, an average of 18,100 home structure fires were started by smoking, killing an average of 590 people per year.
Fire officials say many people are careless or fall asleep while smoking causing the fires.
Firefighters say if you smoke, smoke outside. Make sure cigarette butts are extinguished in deep sturdy ashtrays, a metal can or pail filled with sand or water.
Never cigarettes into vegetation, potted plants or landscaping, peat moss, dried grasses, mulch, leaves, or other similar items-they can easily catch fire and many fires in Yakima have been started by smoking materials.
Never smoke in bed because many have fallen asleep while smoking and have died in house fires.
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