Fire department cautions over careless smoking

The London Fire Department is encouraging residents to check for smoking safety following a dozen blazes within the city.

Careless smoking is the leading cause of fire deaths in Ontario, with up to six injuries in London this year, said in a news release by the department Monday.

“We are seeing far too many fires being caused by the careless disposal of smoking materials,” said Deputy Chief Brian McLaughlin in the release. He added that the fires, which caused more than $400,000 in damage, could have been preventable.

The department is reminding Londoners to install smoke alarms on all floors within a residence and in hallways outside sleeping areas. Smoke alarm testing is also encouraged every month, renewed every 10 years.

Reports highlight further precautions including:

• Encouraging outdoor smoking
• Avoiding plant pots as cigarette extinguishers
• Avoiding smoking in bed
• Emptying ashes into metal containers such as garbage cans

Londoners are encouraged to contact the fire department for further information.

With files from Hala Ghonaim