Smoke-free homes

As well as harming your health, smoking at home increases the risk of fire. This often happens when smoking materials are not handled or disposed of safely.

Smoking materials cause around 7% of accidental house fires each year. They are the fourth most common cause of home fires - after cooking appliances, electrical appliances, and electrical faults.

The fire and rescue service attends approximately 2,000 smoking-related fires in the home every year.

Smoking is the leading cause of deaths from house fires. Around 36% of fatal house fires are caused by smoking. This is often because the smoker is close to where the fire starts - such as smoking in bed. Smoking-related fires are also more common in homes where the smoker is less mobile, and unable to move away from the source of the fire.

Smoke drifting into neighbouring homes can be a nuisance, and it can cause distress and anxiety for others.

Everyone has the right to live in a safe and healthy home. A smoke-free home helps protect health and wellbeing. It gives children a safe place to grow, learn and play.

Contact the West Midlands Fire Service for a "Safe and Well" check. They can give advice on how you can keep your home and family safe from fire.

Page last updated: 20 October 2025