GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) – Green Bay Metro Fire Department says the cause of two apartment fires this month was from improper disposal of smoking materials.
Lt. Shauna Wachholz says the two fires had a lot in common besides being started by smoking material.
“Both of these were on hot days and perfect weather for a fire with wind conditions that were perfect.”
Many days of investigation took place to determine the cause of the fire.
“Both of these fires took place on the exterior of the building and both buildings were constructed with wood frames.”
While the best thing to do is to stay away from smoking, here are some tips to keep yourself and others safe.
• Use large, deep, non-tip ashtrays. Never leave a lit cigarette in an ashtray and never leave an ashtray on the arm of a couch or a chair.
• AVOID smoking inside and on decks.
• Douse cigarette butts completely with water before discarding them.
• NEVER smoke in bed or while lying down; especially when you are drowsy or are taking medications that can make you sleepy.
• NEVER permit smoking around the storage or use of an oxygen tank.
• Keep matches, lighters and other smoking materials away from children. Teach children that lighters and matches are not toys, and not to touch them.
• If smokers have visited, be sure to check the floor and around chair cushions for ashes that may have dropped accidentally.
• Treat “Fire Safe Cigarettes” the same as a normal cigarette because they are still capable of starting a fire. It is important to have an escape plan and several working smoke alarms in the unfortunate event that fire does break out in your home. No civilians or firefighters were injured or killed; we are extremely thankful that everyone escaped safely. Both fires were accidental and we urge everyone to please be aware of the dangers of smoking and to follow the tips listed above.
