Fire officials are warning the public about the dangers of smoking following a mattress fire in Chatham.
Chatham-Kent Fire and Rescue said firefighters were called to an apartment complex at 85 Pine Street shortly before 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday and discovered a mattress on fire inside one of the units.
The fire was quickly extinguished and damage was confined to the mattress.
The building’s maintenance staff helped the tenant get out of the building safely before firefighters arrived and no injuries were reported.
Fire officials said the fire was accidently caused by a lit cigarette.
“Smoking materials continue to be a leading cause of fatal home fires,” said Whitney Burk, the fire department’s public information officer. “Please avoid smoking in bed or when tired, always use deep, sturdy ashtrays, make sure cigarette butts are fully extinguished in water or sand, and keep all smoking materials away from bedding, furniture, and anything that can burn. Small steps like these help prevent dangerous fires.”
