By Anarchist Mountain Fire Rescue – Wildlife Safety Program
One careless act can result in a forest fire that destroys wildlife habitat, homes and personal property, and, in the worst case, could take the life of someone we care about.
Cigarette butts are not only a serious fire risk but are one of the most littered man-made products on the planet.
It’s likely that everyone on Anarchist Mountain – residents, visitors and those who work and play here – either have been directly affected or know someone who has been impacted by this year’s wildfires in Canada and globally.
If you are going for a stroll along the road in your neighbourhood, or picking up your mail, you may be shocked to notice how many cigarettes have actually been disposed of on the ground – close to an area that could easily catch fire.
Too often, dangerous and impactful fires are started because people are careless with cigarettes, cigars and other smoking materials, like matches.
Improperly disposed of butts are illegal to toss out, are extremely unsightly and pose a significant risk to wildlife and the environment because of the toxicity of the tobacco and plastic filters.
Our pets often like to pick up items off the ground. But ingesting a cigarette butt can be pure poison for your dog. Nicotine is a rapid-acting toxin that, in extreme cases, can cause cardiac arrest.
Cigarette filters are made of a plastic called cellulose acetate. When tossed into the environment, they dump not only that plastic, but also the nicotine, heavy metals, and many other chemicals they have absorbed into the surrounding environment…in fact, they can take up to 25 years to decompose!
Did you know that a recent study found that cigarette butts inhibit plant growth and routinely get into our waterways? Unfortunately, these butts are also the most littered items on earth.
Please – if you smoke, or know someone that does, take these simple steps to prevent wildfire caused by smoking products and to protect wildlife in our community.
* Always put butts out completely – All the way. Every time.
- Put water on the ash and butts to make sure they are totally out before putting them in the trash.
* Dispose of butts in a fire-proof ashtray or container.
- Aluminum cans, metal buckets or glass jars work well. Make sure the container has a high side and add some water to ensure the butts are extinguished. Keep a lid on it for extra security and to deter wildlife.
- There are pocket ashtrays one can inexpensively purchase – in fact there is a company in Vernon (Braingarden) that sells them, or you can purchase them online.
- Keep proper cigarette butt receptacles that are easily accessible for smokers in your yard, campsite or construction zone.
* Remind contractors not to dispose of smoking materials on the ground.
- Assign, or have the lead contractor assign, a designated smoking area.
- Provide a safe, fire-proof container to ensure safe and proper disposal of butts.
* Never, ever throw smoking materials out the window of a vehicle.
- It’s very easy for a butt to bounce or roll to the side of the road and catch vegetation on fire. This type of fire can spread very fast in dry, windy conditions.
- Keep a suitable container in your vehicle for proper disposal once you reach your destination.
* If you see someone tossing a cigarette butt on the ground, say something.
- Educating folks about the wildfire risk to our community is one of the best ways to change negative behaviours that have the potential to be massively impactful.
- If you flick it – be prepared for a ticket. Depending on the severity of the circumstances, an officer may issue an $81 fine under the Motor Vehicle Act for littering or a $575 fine under the B.C. Wildfire Act for the mishandling of a burning substance in or within one kilometer of a forest or grassy area. You could be reported by someone who witnesses the event as well.
* Don’t be afraid to Plogg 😊
- Carry a plastic bag with you when you’re out for a walk, run, hike or quad that can be used to pick up carelessly discarded litter along the way.
- If we all do our part, our community and forested wilderness will be more enjoyable and safer for everyone.
The public can report any fires through the BCWS app or by texting *5555.