From: Joe@smokefree.org
Date: Wed, 06/18/03
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Cigarette-caused fires are the nation's #1 cause of fire death. Virtually
everyday, people are killed by cigarette-caused fires in homes, apartments,
hotels, etc. Two years ago, New York passed legislation requiring cigarette
manufactures to produce fire-safe cigarettes by July 1, 2003. Such cigarettes
would go out when left unsmoked. The tobacco cartel is fighting this
legislation, because fire-safe cigarettes will result in fewer cigarettes sold
as smokers can re-light cigarettes that go out instead of having to buy and
light new ones. As the July 1 deadline approaches, the tobacco cartel claims
that two years wasn't enough time to prepare (even though one cigarette brand
currently on the market meets the fire-safe standard). To send a letter in
support of New York's fire-safe cigarettes, go to www.smokefree.org/fire
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Smoking blamed for fatal fire that kills two children
Parts excerpted from The Associated Press, June 17, 2003
BRIDGEPORT-- A cigarette is the likely cause of a house fire that killed two
children and critically injured their parents, a state fire investigator said.
The fire that destroyed the family of six's home Monday spread from a smoldering
burn between a cushion and an armrest on a chair in an enclosed porch, Deputy
State Fire Marshal Mike Turner said Tuesday. There was no evidence of an
electrical problem, but there were numerous ashtrays and smoking materials
indicating that someone in the house was smoking, Turner said.
The fire killed 10-year-old Manuel Fuentes III and his 13-year-old sister,
Lauren.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, cigarette-caused fires
are the #1 cause of fire death, causing more than 1,000 civilian deaths, 3,000
critical injuries, and $400 million in property damage each year.
Turner said he has not been able to talk to the parents about whether they had
been smoking before the fire, which broke out around 1 a.m. on Monday.
The parents, Manuel and Terrie Fuentes, were badly burned, and both are being
treated at North Colorado Medical Center in Greeley, Colo. Terrie Fuentes was in
fair condition Tuesday, and her husband was listed as serious.
The family's two other children -- 9-year-old Jessica and 6-year-old Julia --
were treated for minor injuries.
Terrie Fuentes told neighbors immediately after the fire that she had all three
of her daughters with her inside the house at one point, but the oldest wouldn't
run through the flames.
The oldest daughter was found with her brother inside a closet, where they
sought refuge from the fire.
To send a letter in support of New York's fire-safe cigarettes, go to
www.smokefree.org/fire
Joseph W. Cherner, President
SmokeFree Educational Services, Inc.
http://www.smokefree.org
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful citizens can change the world.
Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." Margaret Mead
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