SOPFEU warns against fires caused by cigarette butts

SOPFEU warns against fires caused by cigarette butts

The Société de protection des forêts contre le feu (SOPFEU) recalls the importance of caution while cigarette butts remain a significant cause of vegetation fires in Quebec.

Since the beginning of spring, the organization has already counted 19 fires linked to smoking articles, having burned approximately 12.1 hectares of forest. Each year, nearly 80 forest fires are attributable to this type of negligence.

According to SOPFEU, cigarette butts thrown on the ground represent the most frequent cause of human-caused fires, while four out of five forest fires are triggered by human activities.

The organization reminds that in hot and dry periods, a simple cigarette butt can be enough to ignite vegetation, especially when exposed to the wind and flammable brush.

As part of its prevention campaign, SOPFEU invites smokers to adopt several good practices, in particular avoiding smoking while walking, using a clear surface, extinguishing cigarette butts carefully and disposing of them in an appropriate container. It is also recommended to never throw cigarette butts out of a vehicle window.

SOPFEU also emphasizes that the regulations prohibit smoking in or near the forest, between April 1 and November 15, under penalty of fines of up to $5,000.

Faced with the increase in periods of drought linked to climate change, the organization emphasizes the importance of prevention and public awareness.

SOPFEU reminds that simple actions can have a major impact in reducing the risk of vegetation fires and protecting Quebec’s forests.