Take caution when discarding smoking materials

  • Published
  • 60th Civil Engineer Squadron Fire Prevention Office
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Do you remember this fire?

August 24, 2008, marked a day firefighters around the county and Air Force communities would not forget anytime soon.

With the carelessness of one person, a fire started off base and quickly moved through the old vacant base housing. This incident caused the destruction of 176 homes, which in turn, called for 225 firefighters and 78 fire trucks to respond to fight the blaze.

During the past two years, the Travis fire emergency services responded to 18 wild land fires with most starting from discarded smoking materials.

With the 101 Critical Days of Summer underway and already well into the fire season, the Travis fire emergency services would like to remind everyone of the danger fire poses around the state and Travis. The main reason most grass fires begin is improperly discarded smoking materials.

Under the California State Health and Safety codes, "Any person can be charged with a misdemeanor for, through careless or negligent action, throwing or placing any lighted cigarette, cigar, ashes ... which may cause a fire."

Fines can range from $100 to $1,000 per offense. Furthermore, probation can include eight hours or more of collecting litter from highways and streets in the jurisdiction. 

If a fire starts, damages to property and/or life may occur. Those found at cause can be prosecuted for criminal acts, which include being held responsible to pay the costs associated with recovery. Following the tips below will help eliminate the chance of being "the source."

1. Never throw smoking materials out of your car window. Cigarette butts can smolder for up to three hours and can be blown for hundreds of yards into combustible materials.

2. In and around base buildings, smoking is only permitted in designated areas. Ensure approved smoking receptacles are used.  Cans should be emptied weekly, and thoroughly wetted down prior to placing contents in a plastic bag before disposing into the dumpster.  Make sure all receptacles are properly marked and kept clear of trash.

3. Keep smoking areas free from excess grass and other vegetation, and ensure trash is picked up and properly disposed of. 

In most cities, you can be fined for throwing lit smoking products from your vehicle.  Here on Travis, you can also receive a ticket from security forces for the same offense. 

As Team Travis members, please do your part to prevent grass fires and report offenders to authorities before the next fire is in your backyard.