Smoking & Fire Safety Tips

  • Published
  • By Technical Services Section
  • Edwards Air Force Base Fire Protection Division
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Every year, almost 1,000 smokers and non-smokers are killed in home fires caused by cigarettes and other smoking materials. The U.S. Fire Administration and Edwards Air Force Base are working to help prevent home-fire deaths and injuries caused by smoking materials.

A lit cigarette accidentally dropped onto a chair or bed, or hot cigarette ashes or matches tossed away before they are completely out, can cause a large fire in seconds. Extinguishing and properly discharging a cigarette takes seconds. It is up to the smoker to make sure their cigarette is completely put out every time. Smoking on base is only approved in designated smoking areas. All discarded smoking products must be properly disposed of into an approved receptacle.

Locally, smoking is governed by AFI 40-102 and EAFBI 32-111. The regulations state that:
· The use of tobacco products is permitted only in designated tobacco use areas.
· The Air Force prohibits tobacco use in Air Force vehicles by all personnel, civilian or military.
· Smoking is prohibited in all common areas of dormitory facilities. Smoking is allowed only in rooms designated for smokers. Edwards Air Force Base does not have any dormitory rooms designated for smoking.
· Smoking, striking matches; operating mechanical lighters, or other open flame/spark devices are not permitted within 50 feet of any area where flammable liquids, combustible gases, and liquid or bottled oxygen are stored or used.
· Smoking or use of spark producing devices is not permitted on the flight line, except where designated smoking areas have been established.
· Empty ashtrays into receptacles provided for that purpose and not into wastebaskets.

Smoking & Home Fire Action Steps:
· Smoke outside.
· Use deep, sturdy ashtrays.
· Make sure cigarettes and ashes are out.
· Check for cigarette butts.
· Never smoke in a home where oxygen is used.
· Fire-safe cigarettes are better.
· Be alert!

To learn more about smoking and fire safety, visit the Smoking & Home Fires Campaign page at http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/campaigns/smoking/

For questions regarding fall clean-up, call the Edwards Fire Prevention Division at 277 - 3643/3124. Remember; in case of an emergency, dial 9-1-1 from a duty or housing phone. If you are calling from a cellular telephone, call 661 - 277 - 4540/4541.

Source: National Fire Protection Association