Smoking is a major cause of accidental fires in the home.

Smoking is one of the leading causes of fatal house fires in the UK. If you choose to smoke, a few simple habits can dramatically reduce your risk.

Thinking about quitting?

Stopping smoking is the single best way to cut fire risk — and improve your health and finances at the same time. Support is available through the NHS Smoke Free service, Smoke Free Lancashire, Smoke Free Blackpool, Smoke Free Blackburn with Darwen (links open in a new tabs).

Even reducing how much you smoke helps. If quitting feels difficult, you’re not alone — and you can still take steps to stay safer.

Safer Smoking Tips

If you smoke cigarettes, cigars, pipes, or similar products:

  • Use a proper ashtray and make sure ashes are fully out before emptying it. Dampening them first is safest.

  • Never flick cigarette ends off balconies or out of car windows.

  • Avoid smoking in bed or in a comfy chair where you might fall asleep.

  • Try to smoke outside whenever possible.

  • Keep all smoking materials away from oxygen tanks, fuel, or anything flammable.

Why Smoking Indoors Is Dangerous

  • Lit cigarettes, lighters, and hot ash can easily ignite clothing, bedding, and soft furnishings.

  • Many people smoke indoors because of reduced mobility — but this also makes escaping a fire harder.

  • Smoking in bed is especially dangerous. Falling asleep with a lit cigarette is a common cause of fatal fires.

To help reduce the risk of a potentially life‑threatening fire, we may provide fire‑retardant items following a home fire safety risk assessment.

Lower the risk of serious fire

After a home safety assessment the following fire‑retardant items may be offered:

  • Fire‑retardant bedding – including duvet, pillows, covers and pillowcases. These may be provided if there are concerns about someone smoking in bed.

  • Fire‑retardant throws – designed to cover a chair or sofa used while smoking.

  • Fire‑retardant blanket – offered as a safer replacement for an existing blanket used while smoking.

An updated fire-retardant flyer is provided with these products. It explains how to wash and care for them so they remain effective. Washing and care instructions for your fire retardant items. for a printable version visit Publication on our website and select Prevention and Fire retardant soft furnishings washing and care instructions.

Book a home fire safety check on our website or by calling 0800 169 1125.

This picture is from an incident involving a fire caused by smoking in bed

E‑Cigarettes & Vapes: Stay Safe

Vapes can help people quit smoking and are often cheaper — but they still carry fire risks, especially when charging.

Using vapes safely

  • Buy from reputable retailers and avoid counterfeit products.

  • Read the instructions before using.

  • Keep devices and liquids away from children and pets.

  • Don’t vape near oxygen or fuel.

  • Never throw used vapes in the bin — recycle them properly.

Charging vapes safely

Most vapes use lithium‑ion batteries, which can be dangerous if damaged or misused.

  • Only use the charger that came with your device.

  • Don’t leave it charging overnight or unattended.

  • Avoid overcharging.

  • Keep the device away from coins, keys, or anything metal that could cause a short circuit.

  • Protect it from being crushed, pierced, or dropped — damaged batteries can overheat or explode.