Insurance News Archive

Government warns of smoking at home dangers

The government is warning that homes with a smoker living in them are over a third more likely to experience a fire than non-smoking properties.

Its announcement forms part of its 'Put it out, right out' campaign, which is drawing attention to the estimated 132 deaths, 1,600 injuries and 4,300 fires.

According to the Department for Communities and Local Government, the average damage caused by a house fire costs £25,000.

With smoking materials described by fire minister Angela Smith as being the "biggest cause of fire-related deaths in the home".

Ms Smith said: "These are shocking facts and should act as a deterrent to all those smokers out there."

The fire minister also said: "A little extra care will mean fewer lives lost or put at risk and fewer households losing their treasured memories."

16 Jan 2007