City launches awareness campaign on tossed butts
By Medicine Hat News on August 1, 2020.
Hot and drier weather has increased the risk of fire and the city is launching a campaign to reduce the risk, particular when it comes to discarded cigarette butts. The city’s fire prevention officer, Curtis Sjodin, says a lit cigarette butt can smoulder for hours before starting a fire. “Carelessly tossed cigarette butts have been a leading cause of wild-land fires over the years, and the current hot and dry conditions substantially increase that risk.” The campaign to reduce the threat will include messages in advertisements throughout the city and on social media. Look for the message, “Don’t Be A Flicking Idiot, Tossed Butts Start Fires,” hoping to remind people to butt out. “We are asking smokers to stop flicking their cigarette butts. We see tossed butts throughout our community, and it’s mainly because people are throwing them from their vehicles and off their balconies,” said Sjodin. “If a smouldering cigarette lands on or near a combustible material, it can easily start a fire, destroy property and put lives at risk.” Cigarette ends should be completely extinguished before being disposed of in a suitable container. 7-6
