Careless smokers behind rash of Edmonton fires
CBC News
Posted: May 12, 2011 2:59 PM MT
Last Updated: May 12, 2011 4:39 PM MT
Tenants of a west Edmonton high-rise examine damage from a balcony fire Wednesday started by a discarded cigarette butt. (CBC)
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Careless smokers caused six separate fires on a single day, say Edmonton firefighters.
Fire crews responded to six fires Wednesday, all started by improperly discarded cigarette butts.
The fires caused $130,000 in property damage.
“These types of fires are especially frustrating because they’re so easy to prevent," said fire investigation chief Wayne Pawlowski in a news release. "All you need is a coffee tin with sand or water in it or a $2 pocket ashtray to put out your cigarette.”
Improperly discarded butts have caused nearly $1 million in damages already in 2011, said fire investigators.
In 2010 the tally was $5.1 million and in 2009 it was $2.3 million.
In addition to being a fire hazard, throwing a cigarette on the ground is subject to a $250 fine for littering.
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