Cigarette Fires: Protecting your commercial building

Fires are more common than you think

Why focus on cigarette fires? Because although they are almost always preventable, the stats speak for themselves.

• Although the number of smokers has declined over the past 30 years, the number of fires started as a result of smoking remains high. On the island of Montreal alone, smoking was the second leading cause of fires in 2020, accounting for nearly 30% of all cases. 
• In Canada, cigarettes remain the leading cause of fire-related deaths. 
• Fires caused as a result of smoking often result in greater material and financial losses than electrical or mechanical ones. 

Understanding the risk

The fire pyramid is a graphical representation of the four essential conditions required for a fire to ignite and sustain itself. They are:

• Fuel (any combustible material)
• Heat (sufficient heat to cause combustion) 
• Oxygen (any oxidizing agent)
• Chemical chain reaction (ability to sustain itself)

By eliminating just one condition, you eliminate the risk. 

Acting preventively

The risks associated with smoking-related fires will differ depending on where they occur, like in an apartment building, a workshop or a restaurant. The environment, the materials and the frequency of use dictate what preventive measures to implement.

Here are some practical tips adapted to three very different contexts.

Apartment buildings 

Despite smoke detectors and a sprinkler system, fire can spread quickly. Now that most buildings prohibit smoking indoors, smoking-related fires often occur near entrances, on balconies or in the landscaping.

Keep an eye on certain things like black earth, mulch, decorative moss, fertilizer and potting soil. They can all catch fire, even several hours after contact with a cigarette butt or ashes.

To limit the risks:  

• Set up a designated smoking area at least 9 m from entrances.
• Place enclosed ashtrays or non-flammable sand-filled containers on a stable surface.
• Post clear signs indicating where smoking is permitted and where cigarette butts may not be disposed of, particularly in flower beds or on the ground. 

If smoking is still permitted in your building, consider imposing a no-smoking rule and remind your tenants of these preventive measures:

• Never smoke or vape in bed or when tired.
• Always use an ashtray that is on a stable surface.
• Keep smoking paraphernalia out of the reach of children.

Repair shops and workshops

Garages pose a high risk of fire and burns.
Thinners, cleaning agents, oils and other flammable liquids are often present in large quantities. Prevention therefore relies heavily on:

• keeping work areas clean and clear.
• storing soiled rags (oil, chemicals) in resealable metal containers.
• handling fuel with care (apply standard procedures).
• prohibiting smoking or vaping in areas where products, waste or flammable substances are stored. 
• making the staff aware of the risks. 

Flash point warning

An open fuel container can leak flammable vapors. All it takes is a flame or spark to cause ignition. This is called the flash point: the temperature at which a particular organic compound gives off sufficient vapor to ignite in air. To limit the risks, containers must be tightly closed and stored in a well-ventilated area.

Restaurants 

In Canada, regulations on smoking in public places vary from province to province. In most of them, the rules are strict: smoking is prohibited indoors as well as on terraces. 

As an owner, it's essential to enforce these rules at all times.

Kitchens also pose a risk, mainly due to the presence of fats, grease and other flammable substances. It’s therefore important to:

• make sure the staff always smokes outside.
• regularly clean hood filters and ventilation ducts.
• provide a designated smoking area for employees (to avoid any temptation to break the rule).

You can't plan for everything, but you can create safer conditions for everyone. Proper prevention not only protects your business, but also your clients.

Don't let your assets go up in smoke

No one is immune to unexpected accidents and fires. So, prevention is always a good idea! By taking these simple steps, you can significantly reduce the risks, protect your business and make it easier for your company to take out insurance. 

Your broker will help you assess the risks and adapt your coverage to your needs.