By Danielle Kutchel
Pakenham Fire Rescue Victoria are warning locals to ensure their cigarette butts are fully extinguished, after a dropped butt sparked a fire in a backyard.
On Monday 25 January, the crew from Pakenham’s Fire Rescue 93 attended an address in Pakenham to put out a fire caused by a discarded cigarette butt, which had landed on overgrown vegetation and caused a fire.
The fire was only small, and fortunately didn’t take long to extinguish.
Neighbours also chipped in to help put the fire out before it could spread or cause damage.
Senior station officer Rick Read said residents had done the right thing in calling firefighters for help with the blaze.
He reminded the community to be vigilant around sources of ignition or flame, especially on hot, windy days.
Mr Read also urged parents to keep lighters and matches away from young children.
