Edmonton apartment fire serves as important fire safety reminder

RED DEER- An improperly discarded cigarette sparked an apartment fire in Edmonton this past weekend, causing $14 million in damage and displacing all residents of the 90-unit building.

According to Red Deer Emergency Services, improperly discarded cigarettes and smoking materials are a leading cause of fires in Red Deer, and are reminding residents of these safety tips:

– Always extinguish smoking materials in deep, non-combustible ashtrays; if ashtrays are not available, use a metal pail or can. Place the ashtrays or metal cans away from anything that can burn.

– Do not throw out cigarettes into vegetation, potted plants or landscaping, peat moss, dried grasses, mulch, leaves, and other similar items—they can easily catch fire