Smoldering cigarettes are a burning issue

An Elm Street woman butted her cigarette against the side of her house and put it in a plastic garbage bag Sunday afternoon.

Her house caught fire a short time later.

Monday, someone threw a lit cigarette against the side of the outside wall at Burger King. The corner of the wall caught fire and the fire traveled into an enclosed space, smoldering until the flames broke free.

It was the third time in less than a week that local fire companies had to contend with fires caused by smoldering cigarettes.Medina firefighters were called to 1025 Elm St. about 5 p.m.

Sunday. Public Information Officer Jeffrey Elsenheimer said fire crews found fire in the wall of the enclosed porch. They were able to quickly extinguish the fire and prevent it from extending into the house, Elsenheimer said.

An investigation revealed the homeowner put the cigarette in the plastic garbage bag, where it smoldered before sparking a fire in the plastic garbage can.

About 24 hours later firefighters were called to Burger King on Maple Ridge Road for a fire in the bathroom. Smoke was coming from the outside wall and in both restrooms, Elsenheimer said.

Firefighters used hand tools to wrench open the ceilings and walls in both bathrooms but were unable to find the source of the fire.

An exterior wall was then cut open and the fire was found in a concealed stud space, Elsenheimer said.

The fire was put out and the outside corner of the building and walls in the women’s bathroom had to be removed. The restaurant remained closed this morning.

Several cigarette butts were found outside the entrance.

Elsenheimer said restaurant patrons often discard their cigarettes before entering and likely one of those cigarettes ignited the outside corner of the building.

Shelby and Lyndonville firefighters assisted Medina.

Thursday, careless smoking caused a fire at the former Pizza Pantry in Corfu. Two firefighters were injured battling the fire.

"Obviously the best way to prevent fires linked to cigarette smoking is to quit," Elsenheimer said. "We realize that is very difficult for most people so by following a few simple safety tips, you can help decrease your chances of a smoking-related fire."