THE dangers of cigarettes not being properly extinguished are being highlighted following a flat fire in Caernarfon.

The blaze happened at an address on South Road, Caernarfon, at 7.18am this morning (Monday, July 12).

Firefighters used one hose reel jet and four sets of breathing apparatus to tackle the fire. It was thought the fire was caused by carelessly discarded smoking materials.

Fortunately there was no-one in the flat at the time of the fire.

Eilian Roberts, community safety manager for Gwynedd and Môn, said: "It is so important to make sure all smoking materials are put out safely in suitable containers.

"If you have elderly relatives or friends who are smokers, make them aware of the possible dangers - by following the steps below they can help cut the risk of a smoking related fire in the home."

The steps are as follows:

  • Take extra care when tired, taking any sort of drugs or have been drinking alcohol. It's very easy to fall asleep without while your cigarette is still burning
  • Never smoke in bed. Anyone who needs to lie down is advised not to 'light up'. "You could doze off and set your bed on fire."
  • Never leave lit cigarettes, cigars or pipes unattended - they can easily overbalance as they burn down
  • Buy child-resistant lighters and matchboxes - every year children die by starting fires with matches and lighters. Keep these where children can't reach them
  • Use a proper, heavy ashtray that can't tip over easily and is made of a material that won't burn. Make sure the cigarette is not still burning when finished - put it out, right out
  • Tap ash into an ashtray, never a waste basket containing other rubbish - and don't let the ash or cigarette ends build up in the ashtray
  • Install and maintain a smoke alarm - when a fire starts, people only have a few minutes to escape. A working smoke alarm can buy valuable time to get out, stay out and dial 999. Residents can get a basic smoke alarm for the same price as a packet of cigarettes. Better still are smoke alarms with long-life batteries or are mains-powered.

Eilian added: “We offer free safe and well checks for all residents – a member of the service will give fire safety hints and tips, help you to formulate a fire escape plan and provide new alarms - all free of charge.

“To register for a free safe and well check, please visit our website or call the free hotline on 0800 169 1234 between 9am and 5pm, Monday –Friday.”