An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Watch where you flick that cigarette butt!

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Chester Berry
  • Assistant Chief of Fire Prevention
FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  An unacceptable trend has invaded Fairchild; there have been two bark fires in the shrub/flower beds in the last two weeks caused by carelessly discarded smoking material. Before you flick that cigarette butt pause and think of this; in 2008 in Washington State there were 1,051 reported fires caused by smoking material resulting in four fatalities. Not only is discarded smoking material an issue for outside areas, it is one of the leading causes for structure fires in the state of Washington. Use the following tips to reverse this trend: 

- Never throw smoking materials out your car window. Cigarette butts can smolder for up to 3 hours, and can be blown for hundreds of yards into combustible materials. Always use your cars ashtray, and make sure all butts are completely out before throwing into the trash 

- In and around base buildings, smoke only in designated areas, and use butt cans with self-closing lids. Cans should be emptied often, and thoroughly wetted down prior to placing the contents in the dumpster. Make sure all butt cans are properly marked, and kept clear of trash. Do not discard butts in landscaped areas!!! The shredded bark used around the base is extremely dry, and VERY combustible. 

- When camping, always use a metal filled with water to dispose of smoking materials, or completely field strip the butts 

- Always dispose of smoking materials properly. Never dump cigarette butts in trash bags or containers without first thoroughly soaking them in water. If you smoke outside, use a non-combustible container (i.e., coffee can, etc.) filled with water. 

- After parties or family gatherings and before going to bed, always check your furniture. Lift the cushions and check in between the sides and backs, and under furniture coverings. Provide plenty of ashtrays for people to use. 

- If you smoke in bed, STOP! 

Additionally here are some tips to help protect your family and yourself if you do smoke at home and these tips can also be used in the dormitories.

- Make sure your smoke detector is in good working order. Push the test button at least once a month, and change out the battery every 6 months. A good rule of thumb is change the batter when you change your clocks. 

- No matter how much the kids cry, you should always sleep with your bedroom doors closed. This simple action can prevent smoke and poisonous gasses from entering your bedroom, and allows the smoke alarm to wake you in time to evacuate your family before the fire becomes too large. 

- Sit down with your family and develop a home escape plan. Make sure you know two ways out of each room, and have a meeting point for all family members at least 75 feet away from the home. Practice your escape plane at least twice a year. 

Following these simple steps can help reduce the number of fires and keep TEAM FAIRCHILD safe and mission ready. If you have any questions on this or any other Fire Prevention topic please call the Fire Prevention Office at 247-2515 or come by the Fire Station.