Three Fires in 24 Hours Caused by Cigarettes

Three residential fires within a 24-hour period in Columbia are believed to have been caused by improperly discarded cigarettes, according to Howard County Fire officials.

In response, fire officials are warning residents to be careful when discarding smoking materials, especially during the current dry, windy conditions.

The three fires caused around $15,000 in damage according to officials’ estimates.The first fire occurred around midnight on April 10 in the 7200 block of Procopio Circle when a townhouse deck caught on fire, causing $4,000 in damages. Officials said that fire was caused by improperly discarded smoking materials.

The second fire occurred later that morning around 8 a.m. at a townhouse in the 6500 block of Pressed Gentian. Fire officials said the fire began after a cigarette dropped between deck boards. Damages were an estimated at $1,000.

The third fire happened at around 6:40 p.m. on April 10 near the 8400 block of Kings Meade Way. A homeowner had extinguished a deck fire before officials arrived.

The homeowner told firefighters he had discarded a cigarette earlier that night where the fire started. Officials estimated damages at $10,500.

To prevent fires such as these, the fire marshal recommends residents use a sturdy ashtray and make sure cigarette butts are out before being thrown away.