FIREFIGHTERS have issued a warning to the to the public about the dangers of smoking after a number of recent house fires.

A Cleveland Fire Brigade spokesman said discarded cigarette set fire to a waste bin in a kitchen damaging the floor and there have been a series of fires where garden decking has been accidentally set alight.

In total there have been more than 40 smoking related fires across Teesside in the last three years.

Phil Lancaster, Director of Community Protection at the brigade, said: “While these recent incidents have caused minor damage to people’s homes and gardens, the results could have easily been a lot worse.

“Clearly we would urge people not to smoke, not only due to the risk of fire but also to give them and their families a healthier lifestyle but for those who choose to smoke, our message is simple: put it out, right out.

“Make sure your cigarette is fully extinguished before getting rid of it. Also make sure you have adequate ashtrays or if you are out in the garden, don’t just throw them away as they can cause serious damage. Buckets filled with sand are a sensible fire safety measure.

“It is also vital that you fit smoke alarms on every level of the home and test them once a week. Without a working smoke alarm you are at least four times more likely to die in an accidental fire in the home.”

Mr Lancaster said smokers should never smoke in bed; don’t smoke indoors when drunk or on drugs; don’t leave lit cigarettes unattended and use a proper, heavy ashtray that doesn’t tip over easily. For further information visit clevelandfire.gov.uk