Hereford & Worcester Fire Service says smoking causes most fatal fires

Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (HWFRS) is joining the nationwide cause, on Wednesday 13 March, to support and encourage individuals trying to quit.

As per information provided, the living room, followed closely by the bedroom, are the primary locations these fires are most likely to occur.

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Emma Roberts, HWFRS head of prevention, said: “No Smoking Day on 13 March provides us with the ideal opportunity to encourage people to consider giving up smoking.

“Where this isn’t possible, we are asking people to be extra vigilant when putting out cigarettes.

“Quitting smoking altogether is the best way to remove the risk of having a cigarette/smokers’ material-related fire.

“But if you do smoke please remember to ensure you put your Cigarettes Out, Right Out.”

While the stop smoking services from NHS primarily aim to increase chances of quitting successfully, they also provide numerous tips on how to avoid fire incidents.

These include smoking outdoors or dedicating proper ashtrays for extinguishing cigarettes.

Smoking when tired or taking prescription drugs can lead to potentially fatal accidents.

It's also strongly advised to never leave a lit cigarette, cigar, or pipe unattended.

Moreover, not disposing of hot ash in internal bins can prevent unseen fires.

Counterfeit and illegal cigarettes are singled out as a greater risk, and homeowners are recommended to install smoke alarms as an essential protective measure.

Details on the NHS stop smoking services can be obtained from their official website (www.nhs.uk/live-well/quit-smoking/nhs-stop-smoking-services-help-you-quit/).

Those who want a free Home Fire Safety visit can contact the HWFRS Prevention team on 0800 032 1155 or complete a free online Home Fire Safety check on the Safelincs website (www.safelincs.co.uk/hfsc/).