Pickering Fire Services is reinforcing smoking safety tips following recent calls

Pickering, ON, August 29, 2025 – Pickering Fire Services is reminding residents that smoking-related fires are entirely preventable, but only if smokers prioritize safety.

Smoking is the leading cause of fatal home fires in Ontario, and Pickering Fire Services has recently responded to multiple incidents caused by the improper disposal of cigarettes.

Quick safety tips:

• Stay alert while smoking – alcohol, sleepiness, medications, or other substances that cause drowsiness can increase risk
• Never smoke in bed
• Never extinguish cigarettes in plant pots, as they can contain a mixture of peat moss, shredded wood, and bark that can ignite easily
• Never toss cigarette butts out of a vehicle’s window, onto the ground, in vegetation, or near flammable materials (tossed butts do not just disappear)
• If smoking indoors, check behind chairs and sofa cushions for cigarette butts before leaving the home or going to bed
• Use large, deep ashtrays that cannot be knocked over
• Empty ashes into metal containers, not the garbage can, and place outside
• Keep smoking materials out of reach of children and pets
• Avoid smoking near flammable materials, such as curtains and bedding

“It’s critical that smokers prioritize safety,” said Fire Chief Steve Boyd. “Recent calls show how easily smoking-related fires can start, and how avoidable they are. By following these simple safety tips, smokers can prevent destructive fires indoors and outdoors. Outdoors, fires can quickly escalate without early detection, often leading to significant and widespread damage.”

Early detection is key, residents are to have working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms installed on every storey of their home, as well as outside all sleeping areas. These alarms should be tested monthly.

Questions for Pickering Fire Services? Visit LetsTalkPickering.ca/PickeringFire to learn more or ask fire-related questions.