THE fire service is warning people not to “snooze and smoke” after a sharp rise in the number of fires caused by cigarettes.

In the last five years, the number of smoking-related fires has increased by 52 per cent in the county, according to West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service’s latest figures.

Firefighters are urging people not to smoke in beds or comfortable furniture.

The fire service’s head of prevention Nicki Peddle said: “Smoking is a major cause of fires, particularly for those who are over 65 and living alone.”

“If you know a smoker who isn’t ready to quit, and you want to help them reduce the risks, encourage them to get out of their comfortable space when they smoke if they are able to and if not to consider vaping as an alternative.”

In 2018-19, Crawley, Bognor Regis and Worthing saw especially drastic increases in smoking-related fires.

The fire service suggested smokers avoid lighting cigarettes indoors altogether.

The service said smokers should also consider buying child resistant lighters and match boxes, and make sure they have a working smoke detector installed in the home.

You can book a free appointment for a crew to visit your home, offer safety advice, and install free fire detection equipment at http://bit.ly/SafeAndWellWS.

The fire service added: “The most effective way to keep you and your home safe from a fire caused by smoking materials is to quit.

“Although this can be extremely challenging, there is help available through West Sussex Wellbeing.”