Warning!

Free Press:
Firefighters said smoking in bed was the cause of a fire they attended this week.

Fernie Fire Rescue was called just before 9.30 a.m. on Monday morning by a neighbour at the apartment complex in the 1100 block of sixth avenue who reported a strong smell of smoke.

The firefighters found smoke in the hallway coming from a first floor apartment and used ventilation fans to remove it.

The occupant of the apartment said they had been woken by the smell of smoke and discovered their bedding was on fire. They were able to put the fire out themselves. There were also scorch marks on the floor from cigarettes being dropped.

Fire Chief Shawn Ivany said people should avoid smoking when drowsy. “Fernie Fire Rescue would like to take this opportunity to remind the public to take extra care with cigarettes and smoker’s material,” he said.

“Don’t smoke when drowsy or when taking medications or consuming substances that impair judgment.

“And don’t smoke in bed.”