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Don’t let a flicked cigarette spark a fire this summer

11 July 2025 - News
With temperatures rising and vegetation drying out, we’re urging customers to take extra care when disposing of cigarettes outdoors.

This follows a recent incident of fire breaking out in one of our developments after a lit cigarette was thrown from a window into dry grass. Fortunately, the fire brigade responded quickly, and residents were safely evacuated.

Recent information shared by the fire and rescue service shows that smoking-related fires cause more deaths than any other type of fire. This is because tobacco is designed to stay lit, it can smoulder unnoticed and quickly spread.

Tania Emery, A2Dominion’s Building Safety Director, said: “It is important that your cigarette is completely out when you’ve finished smoking it.

“When the weather is hot, it only takes a small spark from a cigarette to cause a fire in grass or leaves in seconds.”

We’re asking all customers to:

  • Always fully extinguish cigarettes before disposal

  • Never throw them from windows, balconies, or scaffolding

  • Please use ashtrays or bins, not the ground

You can read more about staying safe in your home in our dedicated Help pages.