Effective New Year’s Day, a new law requires that all cigarettes sold in Delaware be reduced ignition propensity cigarettes (RIPC). A RIPC, which some media incorrectly call “fire safe,” is one designed to be less likely than a conventional cigarette to ignite soft furnishings such as a couch or mattress. Pursuant to the Fire-Safe Cigarette Act of 1990 (also a misnomer), the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) conducted two tests on modified and non-modified cigarettes. Here’s NIST’s descriptions: The mockup ignition test involves placing a lit cigarette on top of a flat surface simulating a piece of furniture. The model consists of a piece of fabric covering a layer of foam padding. The test reveals if the cigarette will ignite the mockup, and if so, how long it takes for that ignition to occur. The cigarette extinction test involves placing a lit cigarette on several layers of the same extremely pure and strictly standardized cellulose paper manufactured for the chemical industry to ensure repeatable test results. This test reveals if the cigarette self extinguishes or burns for its full length. NIST measured the ignition propensity of the modified cigarettes relative to the unmodified product. These tests are not an absolute measure of ignition probability in real circumstances, but are strong indicators as to whether a reduction in cigarette-initiated fires might be expected. Analysis of the test data shows that the modified cigarette has a lower relative ignition propensity than the conventional cigarette. Smoking is a major concern of fire officials. "Most smoking-related home fires happen on beds, furniture, or in trash when smokers do not put cigarettes all the way out, toss hot ashes in the trash or fall asleep while smoking," said U.S. Fire Administrator Gregory B. Cade. "What's important to remember is that smoking home fires can easily be prevented. It just takes a few seconds to light up - and a few seconds to make sure that cigarette is really out." Chief Cade noted that 23% of American adults (46 million) are smokers and in some states that percentage is as high as 28.7%. Delaware is at 20.7%. Every year, smoking-related home fires kill 700-900 people. Of those killed, roughly 25% are not the smoker. According to Cade, 34% are children of the smokers and 25% are neighbors or friends of the smokers. Smoking-related fires accounted for six of 12 Delaware fire deaths in 2007. In 2008, only one of seven fatalities resulted from smoking, although it did cause 49 fires and over $300,000 in property damage. A video at www.usfa.dhs.gov/smoking shows how quickly a smoldering cigarette can turn into a raging fire. Victims can also be firefighters. In 1992, a seven-year-old Maryland boy died in a fire caused by smoking materials. Kenny Hedrick, a volunteer firefighter, was trapped and died in the basement of that home. His mother Cathy Hedrick, Director of Survivor Programs for the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation said, "The cause of this tragic fire that took the lives of two innocent victims was a smoldering cigarette in the family room." Smoking is most safely done outside. If you must smoke inside: • Use ashtrays with a wide and stable base. If it wobbles, it won’t work. • Put out cigarettes in an ashtray or can filled with sand. • Check for butts under sofa cushions and on and behind furniture. • Never smoke in a home where oxygen is used. • Use fire-safe cigarettes that are less likely to cause fires. • Make sure your cigarette is fully out, especially if you are drowsy due to medicine or alcohol. It also never hurts to remind everyone of some other key fire safety practices: • Place properly installed and maintained smoke alarms on every level of your home. • Use “dual sensor” smoke alarms that can sense slow, smoldering fires as well as fast burning, flaming fires. • Check batteries at least once a year. • Plan two ways to escape from every room and practicing the escape plan with everyone in the home. Happy New Year and stay safe! Justin Norman is deputy fire chief for the BBVFC, where he has been a member since 1996. He is a nationally-registered EMT-B, a member of the Sussex County Technical Rescue Team and a private first class with the Ocean View Police Department. He lives in Bethany Beach and can be reached at [email protected].