Fire Marshal Seeks 'Fire-Safe' Cigarette Law in North Dakota

January 9, 2009

Grand Forks Fire Marshal Jerry Vien says North Dakota would join 44 other states if lawmakers approve so-called fire-safe cigarettes.

The cigarettes feature thicker paper bands that help put them out if they're left unattended.

Vien says smoking materials are the leading cause of residential fire deaths and the goal is to save lives. He says there's no such thing as a cigarette that will eliminate fires, but a fire-safe cigarette has less chance of burning when left unattended.

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Information from: KNOX-AM, http://knoxradio.com