Layton House Fire Caused by Cigarette Butts
According to Layton Fire Deparment Spokesperson, Doug Bitton, the fire started around 12:26 p.m. when the neighbors saw smoke coming from the garage. “When crews arrived, the homeowner was outside attempting to put the fire out with a hose,” said Bitton.
According to Bitton, the neighbors were able to wake the homeowner who had just recently fell asleep, by pounding on his door. “He works nights so this is a normal time of day for him to sleep.”
Bitton said the cause of the fire was determined after the homeowner indicated that he put his cigarette out just before going to bed then disposed of the butts next to some sort of ignitable material such as newspaper or garbage. “It is so important for people to understand that you have to find a proper way to dump your ashtrays or dispose of the butts to your cigarettes, even the new self distinguishable cigarettes still have hot embers left that can catch flammable materials on fire. ”
Fire Crews were able to quickly contain the fire and were able to minimize the damage to the home.
“We did treat the homeowner for smoke inhalation at the scene, he did not require any further medical treatment,” said Bitton.
The home will not be habitable for a several days. Estimated damage is around $75,000
