A CAMPAIGN warning of the dangers of smoking has been launched by Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service.

The Put It Out. Right Out campaign is part of a national government campaign, which will be backed by television advertisements, to raise awareness of the devastating impact that careless smoking can have.

Figures show that four people in the county lost their lives in one year, due to carelessness when disposing of cigarettes.

Fire caused by cigarettes is one of the biggest causes of fires resulting in death in England and Wales.

Mr Steve Seaber, chief fire officer of Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: "A large number of fatalities have been from cigarette fires.

"The terrible tragedy is that most of these deaths could have been prevented if smokers had just taken a few simple precautions."

The campaign urges that a few simple precautions are taken to help prevent such fires caused by carelessness.

These include not smoking in bed, always using a proper ashtray, being careful after drinking, as reactions tend to be slower, and fitting and maintaining a proper working smoke alarm in the home.

Other information and advice is available from www.community-fire-safety.org.uk.