Fire Causes $22K In Damages To Gastonia House
GASTONIA, N.C. — Investigators say a Gastonia house fire was started by improperly discarded smoking materials.
The fire caused $22,000 in damages to the home on Trexlar Avenue. Β One person was at the home when the fire started but was able to make it out of the house safely.
The Gastonia Fire Department recommends these safety tips when discarding smoking materials:
Smoke outside. Many things in your home can catch on fire if they touch something hot like a cigarette or ashes. It is always safer to smoke outside.
Put cigarettes out all the way. Do this every time. Donβt walk away from lit cigarettes and other smoking materials. Put water on the ashes and butts to make sure they are really out before you put them in the trash.
Never smoke in bed. Mattresses and bedding can catch on fire easily. Do not smoke in bed because you might fall asleep with a lit cigarette.
Put your cigarette out in an ashtray or bucket with sand. Use ashtrays with a wide base so they wonβt tip over and start a fire.
