Apr. 11, 2022 - PRELIMINARY CAUSE OF DUPLEX FIRE IDENTIFIED
Proper Disposal of Smoking Materials Makes a Difference
The level of destruction in the garage where the duplex fire because yesterday afternoon leaves very few clues for investigators. However, preliminary indications point to the improper disposal of a cigarette as the cause of yesterday’s duplex fire in the Town of Grand Chute. While other conclusions are still possible in the ongoing investigation, improperly disposed smoking materials are a common cause of destructive fires that warrant some safety reminders.
The Grand Chute Fire Department is taking this opportunity to remind you of these best practices for the disposal of cigarette ash, butts, and associated items.- Use a metal container filled with sand for disposal of cigarette ash and butts. If using an ashtray, select one that has a stable and wide base.
- Soak cigarette ashes and butts in water before disposing of them in a trashcan.
- Never discard cigarette materials that have not been soaked into anything plastic, such as a flower pot or plastic garbage can. Hot ashes can smolder for lengthy periods (even days) and eventually start a fire in any plastic container.
- Similarly, never discard cigarette materials in mulch or containers with dirt. Soil and mulch contain organic, flammable materials that can also smolder for a lengthy period and start a larger fire in the surrounding mulch, container(s), or siding.
- Do not throw lit cigarettes out of moving vehicles or directly on the ground. This can increase the potential for fire, especially in the dry early spring months, and even result in a fine for littering.
CONTACT: Assistant Chief Kelly Hanink (715) 350-9593 |
