Multiple Fires Caused By Discarded Smoking Materials: Hamden Fire Department

HAMDEN, CT — In light of recent fires caused by discarded smoking materials, the Hamden Fire Department is reminding residents to take necessary precautions to prevent accidental fires. In the past three days, Hamden firefighters have responded to two fires that were the result of discarded smoking materials, according to Deputy Chief Gary Merwede. While the Hamden Fire Marshal’s office has determined that both incidents were accidental and no injuries were reported, both residential properties sustained exterior damage.

On April 15, firefighters responded to 20 Millpond Road for a reported structure fire. First responding crews were able to extinguish the fire before it extended to the interior of the home, according to Merwede. (To sign up for Hamden breaking news alerts and more, click here.)

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) produced a smoking-material-related fires report in July 2013, which analyzed United States fire statistics, and the 90,000 smoking-material fires reported.

“In 2011, an estimated 17,600 smoking-material home structure fires caused 490 civilian deaths (19% of all home structure fire deaths), 1,370 civilian injuries and $516 million in direct property damage. The other 72,400 smoking-material fires in 2011 were mostly outdoor fires (60,200 fires in trash, vegetation and other outdoor combustibles),” according to the NFPA.

At about 3 a.m. on Tuesday, Hamden firefighters responded to 34 Second Street for a three-family home with the exterior on fire, according to Merwede.

“Fortunately, this fire was also extinguished quickly and residents were evacuated without injury,” Merwede said in a news release. “As a public service announcement and reminder, smoking materials should always be discarded into non-combustible containers designed specifically to help prevent accidental fire extension.

“Even when away from structures, discarded cigarettes can cause substantial damage to vegetation, wooded areas, and automobiles. With the onset of spring, brush fire season in New England has started. Special care should be taken with all outdoor fires.

“For questions relating to appropriate distances for fire pits, barbeques, or other set-backs, please contact your local Fire Marshal. Hamden residents can call 203-407-3181 or 203-407-3182 for additional information.”

Photos via the Hamden Fire Department