Smokers are being warned to take extra p[recaustions this week because of the danger posed by extreme hot weather. The heat means conditions are much droer than usual and it would be easy to start a fire with a lit cigarette butt.
Dan Marchant, director at vaping retailer Vape Club, said: "Having had a prolonged period of hot weather, grass and plants can be extremely dry and will catch fire very easily. Dropping a lit cigarette butt can cause a fire in a matter of minutes or seconds if there is a strong breeze to fan the flames.
"We are strongly advising that anyone planning on smoking in these temperatures should never drop a cigarette butt on the ground. Not only are they a fire hazard, but they are also a danger to wildlife. You can buy what is known as a pocket ashtray for £2-4 online. They are basically fireproof pouches where you can store your cigarette butts safely until you get home. Alternatively, you can bring a small, half-filled bottle of water with you that you can drop your butts into when out and about. If FULLY extinguished you can put your cigarette butts in the bin, but you must be 100% sure they are completely out or you can just as easily start a fire in litter bins that are usually lined with black bin bags.
