Preventable Fires

(WOLO) COLUMBIA,S.C, –It may be considered home sweet home but Columbia fire chief Aubrey Jenkins tells ABC Columbia news it is quickly becoming the number one place for fire, injuries and death because of improperly discarded smoking materials. Jenkins says something as simple as flicking a cigarette butt of an apartment balcony led to one recent fire. Jenkins says two more fires in as many months at the West Avenue apartments were both the result of cigarettes – the latest incident last week turned fatal. Chief Jenkins says the best ways to protect yourself and your home is to follow a few simple steps that can make a huge difference. *If you smoke, only use fire safe cigarettes *Put your cigarette out in a deep and sturdy ash tray away from flammable materials. *Never throw butts in the trash until after you have doused them in water to make sure they’re out. *And discard them in a trash can outside the home instead of one that could catch on fire and spread throughout your home.