How to properly dispose of smoking material

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Proper disposal of smoking material

Improper disposal of smoking material such as tobacco products is the leading cause of outdoor fires in Calgary.

To help reduce outdoor fire risks, citizens should make an effort to properly dispose of smoking material.

Remember to always call 911 to report a fire.

How to properly dispose of smoking material

To better protect your homes, it is recommended that you:

  • Never put out cigarettes or smoking material in flower planter, peat moss, your lawn or garden. 
  • Use a deep, wide, sturdy metal container with a lid, filled part way with sand or water that should be emptied regularly.
  • Ensure all butts and ash are out by soaking them with water prior to putting in the trash.

Smoking in natural areas

Extreme caution should be used in the city’s natural areas and green spaces where extremely dry vegetation covering the ground provides readily combustible fuel if an ignition source is applied.

Reducing risk

  • Do not store propane tanks, firewood or yard waste next to your house.
  • Prune all tree branches within two metres of the ground and plant new trees at least three metres apart.
  • Assess potential fire hazards within 1.5 metres of your home, including natural debris, trees and other structures.

Smoke alarms

Having working smoke alarms saves lives – more than one-third of all fire fatalities are associated with having no smoke alarm.

Result of careless disposal of smoking material

Improper disposal of smoking material causes a lot of fires in Calgary.

Deck fire due to disposing of a cigarette in plastic flower planter. Cigarette smouldered for approximately eight hours before igniting. 

The result of combining potting soil, organic material and a cigarette butt.

Other resources

  • Fire pits

    Fire pits, outdoor fireplaces, wood-burning ovens and chimeneas in Calgary must meet certain standards to ensure that they can be enjoyed safely.

  • Home safety program

    Since 1996, Calgary firefighters have been visiting Calgary homes to share important home safety information and inspect, replace and install smoke alarms.

  • Home escape plan

    You may have as little as two minutes to escape from a house fire, knowing how to use those minutes can save lives.

  • In your home

    Make sure your home is safe so that you are prepared in the case of an emergency.

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