Cigarettes: Leading Cause of Fire Deaths

According to the National Fire Data Center, 1,052 residential fire deaths were caused by cigarettes in 1996. As reported by the Shriners Hospitals for Children, children account for more than 35% of all fire and burn injuries and deaths. In fact, 5,000 children are injured from contact with lit cigarettes and lighters. Fires and burns are the second leading cause of accidental death for children under age 4.

"The greatest tragedy is that these injuries are preventable," stated the report. Each year Shriners Hospitals for Children, who sponsor the national week, ask parents and other caregivers to be aware of the dangers posed by cigarettes and other many household appliances and take steps to keep their families safe.