Public Information Office
Fire Marshal
Fire Safe Standard Cigarettes
The Reduced Cigarette Ignition Propensity and Firefighter Protection Act was passed in the General Session of the 2007 Utah State Legislature. This bill gives the State Fire Marshals Office responsibility to certify cigarettes sold in the State of Utah, that meet fire safe propensity standards as set forth by the law. These cigarettes are commonly referred to as fire safer cigarettes.
What is a Fire Safe Standard Cigarette?
Reduced ignition propensity cigarettes are designed to self extinguish if they are left unattended. Fire Safe Standard Cigarettes are fitted with a technologically advanced paper, which covers the tobacco column. The paper allows the tobacco column to extinguish when the cigarette is not being drawn upon or in use. The fire safer cigarette is less likely to cause a catastrophic or destructive fire when left unattended. If the cigarette is dropped or lost in a combustible setting such as upholstered furniture, bedding or dry grass, the low propensity ignition cigarette is expected to extinguish before surrounding materials can heat to the point of ignition.
What will change with the “new” cigarette?
Smokers will not see a difference in lifestyle, flavor, toxin levels or cigarette output. Smokers may find however, they will have to relight their cigarette more often. Studies have shown no real change in smoking behavior, enjoyment, toxins or comfort with fire safe standard cigarettes vs. the old burn through technology.
Are we the only State to have adopted the Fire Safe Standard Cigarette Legislation?
Since New York State adopted the legislation in the year 2000, 35 States have passed the legislation to allow their citizens the umbrella of safety afforded by this Fire Safer Standard. The Utah Legislature passed this initiative with overwhelming support. The new law went into affect on July 01, 2008.
Why the change?
This new technology is expected to keep smokers and their families safer from fire related injuries or death caused by smoking material related fires. Smoking material related fires tend to smolder for long periods of time generating deadly and highly toxic black smoke prior to breaking out into flame. If the fire safer standard cigarette goes out after being dropped, a fire is less likely to start.
The National Fire Protection Association estimates that 3 out of 4 smoking material related fires will be prevented with this simple change. Source: NFPA’s Fire Analysis and Research Division Updated 12/07
Safety while smoking
Safety procedures, while smoking, are the same as they have been for years:
- Choose fire safe standard cigarettes. They are less likely to cause fires.
- If you smoke, smoke outside.
- Use deep, sturdy ashtrays.
Fire Safe Standard Cigarettes cont…
Before butts and ashes are discarded, make sure they are dead out with no residual heat generation. Dousing in water or sand is the best assurance they are dead out.- Never smoke in bed, upholstered chairs or in an easily combustible setting.
- Never smoke where oxygen is being used. Oxygen saturated furniture is highly flammable.
- After a party and before you go to bed, make to check under furniture, between cushions and in other places where people congregate smoke and cigarette butts may have fallen out of sight.
- To prevent a deadly smoking materials fire, be alert. Being sleepy or having taken medications or drugs may cause drowsiness or cause attention to wonder away from safe practices.
Smoke detectors are a solid defense against fire related injuries or death when working properly. Check your smoke detector every month to make sure it is in working condition. Change batteries twice each year, and be aware what the alert sound or flashing light means. The smell of smoke is not a reliable emergency alert method.
Fire Safe Standard Cigarettes are designed to help you protect yourself, family and friends from the ravages of injurious and deadly fire.
For more information regarding “The Reduced Cigarette Ignition Propensity and Firefighter Protection Act” call or write Oliver Moore 801-2846349 or omoore@utah.gov