An urgent warning has been issued to smokers as temperatures rise this summer.
As the UK basked in another heatwave, warnings have been issued over wildfires. The ECHO previously reported that high temperatures are expected across most parts of England, with the heat expected to have an impact on health, transport and infrastructure.
As a result, people are being urged to dispose of their cigarettes safely, ensuring they have been completely stubbed out, away from the "tinderbox" dry surroundings. As many will be out making the most of the weather, a smoking cessation expert has shared the following warning.
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Dan Marchant, director at the UK's largest vaping retailer Vape Club, said: "Having had a prolonged period of hot weather, grass and plants can be extremely dry and will catch fire very easily. Dropping a lit cigarette butt can cause a fire in a matter of minutes or seconds if there is a strong breeze to fan the flames.
"We are strongly advising that anyone planning on smoking in these temperatures should never drop a cigarette butt on the ground. Not only are they a fire hazard, but they are also a danger to wildlife.
"You can buy what is known as a pocket ashtray for £2-4 online. They are basically fireproof pouches where you can store your cigarette butts safely until you get home."
People are also being advised to use a bottle of water to "fully extinguish" cigarette butts. Dan added: "You must be 100% sure they are completely out or you can just as easily start a fire in litter bins that are usually lined with black bin bags.
"The safest way to make sure your cigarettes are stubbed out completely is to soak them in water which will put out the embers, but also prevent the butt from reigniting. If stubbed out normally, you should wait 5 minutes and use a ‘feel test’ - is it cold? But to be safe, you should still douse it with water."
Dan went on to say that using a vaping device will reduce the risk of fires as they are much easier to dispose of. However, disposables must be taken to a battery recycling bin, not a normal rubbish bin, as this could result in fires if it gets damaged. For those who have a pre-filled pod device, it is recommended to dispose of pods correctly, rather than drop them on the floor.
The expert went on to say: "They will not cause a fire but they will cause danger to wildlife. If you are using a refillable device, always dispose of empty e-liquid bottles correctly. Washing them out and recycling them is the best option.
"If you're planning on smoking, make sure you dispose of cigarette butts in a bin IF you are sure they are fully extinguished. The best way to be sure is to douse them in water first. Never put a cigarette butt in the bin if you are not certain it has been fully extinguished. If you cannot find a bin, then you should bring them home to dispose of them. The same as you should with any other waste and rubbish."
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