To the Editor:

In response to the article “Cigarette Causes Gouverneur Fire,” (posted on NorthCountryNow.com June 15), I would first like to offer my deepest condolences to the family who lost their home and belongings. I am very glad that no one was injured or worse.

I would like to take the opportunity to remind the public that indoor smoking is the leading cause of house and apartment fires. In fact smoking materials cause over $600 million in property damage each year in the U.S. (SmokefreehousingNY.org).

Short of discontinuing all smoking, the best way to prevent a smoking related fire is to only allow smoking a minimum of 25ft from the entrances, windows, and ventilation systems of the home and not at all inside. Properly disposing of cigarette butts in water or sand based receptacles as well as avoiding smoking near mulch or planters is also critical to preventing fire.

Indoor smoking not only exposes occupant to deadly secondhand smoke, but also makes accidental fires much more likely to occur. Falling asleep with a cigarette in hand, happens more often that one would think and can be especially dangerous in bed where linens and sheets can catch fire easily.

I encourage home owners who smoke to consider the benefits of quitting or else protect themselves and their families from the danger of smoking related fires by taking it outside.

For landlords who are interested in protecting their tenants, properties, and investments by going smoke-free, Advancing Tobacco-Free Communities can assist you with signage and the policy process. For more information contact us at (315) 713-4861 or cnatfc@svpc.net.

Elizabeth Billings. Assistant Program Coordinator

Advancing Tobacco-Free Communities