Fire fatalities implicate smoking once again

Thursday, February 12, 2009
Letter to the Editor
Daily Gazette

I was saddened to read about the recent deaths of three elderly people in residential fires [Feb. 3 Gazette]. I was saddened not only because of the tragic loss of life, but because they were most likely preventable fires.

Careless smoking was attributed to the Kingsway fire, and is believed to have caused the Cresse Avenue fire. While the Wade Lupe fire is still under investigation, smoking may very well have been a factor.

I realize that smoking is an addiction not easily given up, but perhaps adopting no-smoking policies can sway smokers to kick the habit — or at least take it outside. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, cigarettes are the leading cause of home fires and the No. 1 cause of fire deaths in the United States. Had it not been for the quick response of the Schenectady Fire Department, the Wade Lupe fire could have been even more tragic, costing more damage and lives.

As a project coordinator for a nonprofit funded by the state Department of Health, I have been working with apartment managers and owners to adopt smoke-free policies for their buildings. Smoke-free policies can very well protect lives and property while saving money and safeguarding against liability.

I urge readers to learn more by going to www.SmokeFreeCapital.org.

Jeanie Orr
Niskayuna

The writer is project coordinator for the Capital District Tobacco-Free Coalition.