Mankato Fire officials are asking smokers to be more careful after a series of brush fires, backyard and porch fires this summer. 

Cigarettes tossed out car windows have started a number of small brush fires… and there have been some house fires, as well, caused by cigarettes left smoldering in makeshift ashtrays.

Jeff Bengtson, Deputy Director, Mankato Department of Public Safety Fire Division says several fires have started when coffee cans were used as ashtrays and ignited porches.  He recommends filling a makeshift ashtray with sand or water to ensure the burning ember is snuffed out. 

 

  


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