Properly discard of smoking materials Published April 22, 2008 By Fire Prevention Office 60th Civil Engineer Squadron TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- As the summer months quickly approach, the hills will turn brown and with the dryness comes extreme potential for grass fires. The primary reason most grass fires begin is because of improperly discarded smoking materials. The simple action of tossing a lit cigarette out the window or on to a lawn can start a fire. The following tips can help eliminate the chance of being the source: - Never throw smoking materials out of a car window. Cigarette butts can smolder for up to three hours, and be blown for hundreds of yards into combustible materials. Always use a car ashtray, and make sure all cigarettes are completely out before throwing into the trash. In addition, drivers can be fined for discarding of cigarettes from a vehicle. - In and around base buildings, smoking is only permitted in designated areas. Use cigarette butt cans with self-closing lids. Cans should be emptied often and thoroughly wetted down prior to placing contents in a plastic bag. Make sure all butt cans are properly marked and kept clear of trash. Do not discard cigarette butts in landscaped areas. The shredded bark used around the base is extremely dry and combustible. - Keep smoking areas free of excess grass and other vegetation. Ensure accumulated trash is picked up and disposed. - Smoking, striking matches or operating lighters is prohibited within 50 feet of flammable liquids, fuel vehicles and aircraft, and within 100 feet of munitions storage areas and hydrant fueling systems. -All areas will be considered "no smoking" areas unless a "designated area" sign is posted. - Review Air Force Instruction 40-102, Tobacco Use in the Air Force. This instruction governs smoking on Air Force installations.