Risk news

Fire officials have noted that smoking poses more than just health risks.

Ahead of National No Smoking Day on March 10th 2010, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) pointed out that people who smoke also pose a potential fire threat.

Homes which contain someone who smokes are almost 35 per cent more likely to suffer a blaze than properties which are cigarette-free, the organisation revealed.

Furthermore, 132 people were killed in accidental fires caused by smoking materials between 2000 and 2005, around a third of which took place between 22:00 GMT and 03:00 GMT.

And in Greater Manchester alone last year, the body attended 194 incidents in homes as a result of smoking.

"We are urging people to quit or take care if smoking at home, particularly at night," officials from GMFRS said.

As part of its home fire risk assessment service, the organisation has fitted more than 100,000 free smoke alarms in local communities in the area.

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