Wildfires: 8 ways to help prevent wildfires when smoking
Too often, big, dangerous wildfires are started because people are careless with cigarettes, cigars, and other smoking materials.
Practicing good health habits can help your surrounding environment. Take these simple steps to prevent wildfires caused by smoking.
Video: Thrown cigarettes can set fires
8 ways to help prevent wildfires when smoking
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Don’t leave burning cigarettes, cigars, or matches alone. A gust of wind may blow them and start a fire.
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Always put out your cigarettes or smoking materials completely. If you smoke outdoors, put out your cigarette against a rock or bury it in the ground.
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Put water on any ashes and butts to make sure they are totally out before throwing away in a garbage can.
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Use ashtrays that will not burn or melt, like glass jars, aluminum cans, metal pales.
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Do not let ashes pile up too high in ash trays. Add some water to make sure butts are out.
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Limit smoking in the car. Instead of smoking while driving, stop at a safe place for a break. Have an ash tray and water nearby.
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Set a designated smoking area if people will be smoking at camp. Make sure a fire-proof ash tray is nearby.
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Call your friends out if someone is being careless with their smoking materials. Stopping wildfires can start with you!
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Be a good example to your family, friends, and co-workers – dispose of all your trash properly, not just cigarettes and smoking materials.
Never throw cigarettes out of a moving vehicle
Did you know?
It is easy for butts to bounce from the road into grass or trees. Use an ash tray – like a can or container that will not melt or burn.
Never throw cigarettes, or any kind of trash, out of the car.
Quitting is the best prevention
Quitting smoking and staying quit is very important for your health. Here are 6 steps to help you.
Be a good example! Take care when smoking to help prevent wildfires and protect the land and communities.
Explore more
Information on wildfires, evacuations, smoke, and air quality. Updated daily.
As wildfire burns through forests and grasslands, it produces dense smoke that can be a major source of toxic air pollutants.
The Cree Board of Health recommends you wear a mask in certain situations to protect yourself and people around you.
