Fire Chief Calls for Safer Cigarettes | DC Metro Area Personal Injury Law Blog

According to a recent story by Guy Leonard, Prince George’s County Fire Chief Lawrence Sedgwick is pushing for legislation in Maryland that would compel tobacco companies to ship fire-safe cigarettes to smokers.  Sedgwick announced his plan after several cigarette-related burn injuries and one death in a four-day period.

Six states have laws requiring tobacco companies to sell fire-safe cigarettes, products that burn more slowly when left unattended, to customers.  ‘‘As a fire chief, I am outraged that cigarette products are manufactured and available that would save lives and reduce property loss, however are only distributed in six states,” Sedgwick said.  To find out more, please review the full story.