Fort McMurray — A late-night fire over the weekend is prompting a renewed warning from fire officials about the dangers of improperly discarded smoking materials.
Just after midnight on July 19, Fort McMurray firefighters responded to a mobile home on Jackpine Way. When they arrived, they found a resident attempting to extinguish a fire that had broken out on the deck. Crews quickly brought the blaze under control, and damage was contained to the deck area.
An investigation determined the fire started in a plant pot, ignited by smoking materials that had not been fully extinguished.
“Smoking materials are one of the leading causes of house fires in the Wood Buffalo region,” said local fire officials. “We strongly advise against discarding cigarette butts in plant pots. Potting soil and peat moss can smolder for hours or even days before igniting.”
Fire Prevention teams are urging residents to use proper disposal methods, such as designated ashtrays or sturdy metal containers filled with sand or water. They also warn against tossing cigarette butts on the ground, out of vehicle windows, or near flammable materials.
No injuries were reported in the incident.
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