Smoking and Fire Safety: Reducing the Risk

Smoking-related fires disproportionately cause deaths. While only about 5 percent of home fires involve smoking materials, they account for roughly 25 percent of home fire deaths. This disparity exists because smoking fires tend to occur when occupants are sleeping, giving the fire time to grow before detection.

The safest smoking practice is to smoke outside. An outdoor smoking area with a non-combustible ashtray significantly reduces the risk of igniting furniture, bedding, or household materials. This is the single most effective measure smokers can take to protect their households.

Never smoke near medical oxygen equipment. Oxygen saturates fabrics and materials, making them far more flammable. A single ember near concentrated oxygen can cause an instantaneous, intense fire that is nearly impossible to survive.

E-cigarettes and vaping devices contain lithium-ion batteries that can overheat, vent flammable gas, and cause fires. Use only the manufacturer-provided charger, never charge devices unattended or overnight, and inspect batteries for damage before use.