No butts about it, smoking can be deadly to environment too Published June 18, 2013 By 412th Test Wing Public Affairs and Ground Safety Office 412th Test Wing Public Affairs Office EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Everyone knows that smoking can be hazardous to one's health, but as we've recently seen on base, not properly disposing of lit cigarettes can be hazardous to the environment. Especially during the summer. Two incidents June 17 should serve as reminders to smokers to properly dispose of their butts, particularly during the windy summer days the High Desert has entered. The Edwards AFB Fire Department was called out for two separate fires; one in front of the Main Clinic and one on South Base at the Aero Club. Both were believed to be started by smoldering cigarettes. 412th Test Wing leadership and the Ground Safety Office wants to remind Team Edwards that Tobacco use on the installation shall be restricted to Designated Tobacco Areas. Tobacco use outside of DTAs, including while walking anytime outside of DTAs, is prohibited. DTAs will be kept in good condition reflecting their surroundings. DTAs should be away from common points of facility entry/egress and not in front of buildings or air intake ducts. The distance of a DTA from building entry/egress is to be determined by the squadron commander but will be no less than 50 feet. DTAs shall be a minimum of 50 feet from pedestrian walkways, to include parking lots, to prevent secondhand smoke exposure to passersby. No DTA shall be within 100 feet of playgrounds to minimize the health risks to children playing, entering or exiting the area. Tobacco includes, but is not limited to, cigars, cigarettes, electronic-cigarettes, stem pipes, water pipes, hookahs and smokeless products that are chewed, dipped or sniffed. Dispose of smoking material in approved containers specifically designed for smoking material. Stencil these containers or cans "SMOKING MATERIAL ONLY." Disposal of waste, trash or any combustible material in ashtrays or smoking material cans is prohibited. Saturate and completely extinguish smoking material prior to disposal into outside waste dumpsters.