CIGARETTES

S OURCE OF I G N I TION
HOW ?
W HY ?
Is it really a source of ignition ?
An Analysis
AIR FLOW AND TEMP. DISTRIBUTION

While Puffing (Smoking)

AIR FLOW AND TEMP. DISTRIBUTION

While Smoldering (at rest/non smoking)

AIR FLOW AND TEMP. DISTRIBUTION

Temperature distribution in a burning cigarette at very start of puff

Can it really Ignite Fuel ?
The heat release rate for an average tobacco cigarette has been reported as ~5 W
Such a low level emphasizes the necessity for a fuel to be in direct contact with the smoldering
tip of the cigarette before ignition can be ensured.
Lighted cigarette will only occasionally set fire to dry fuel on which it rests uncovered, such as
upholstery, dry grass, and the like.
A linear scorch will result, but it will rarely cause ignition.
If the fuel is loose enough that the burning cigarette can “burrow” into it as it burns, ignition is
much more likely
If the cigarette “burrows” down into loose cellulosic fuels or is pushed partially between two
upholstered cushions, enough heat may build up to cause ignition if the arrangement conserve the
heat without unduly restricting the air supply
Can it really Ignite Fuel ?

Location of Cigarettes for the

demonstration of ignition
 Can it really Ignite Fuel ?

Cigarette between the cushion will enable

enough heat to build up to cause ignition
 Can it really Ignite Fuel ?
It took 42 Min. for this Traditional chair to
reach to flaming stage from the time of
placement

Cigarette on the other surfaces failed to cause

ignition
 Can it really Ignite Fuel ?

Extremely low O2 concentration throughout high temperature zone preventing ignition of gases/vapors.
 Can it really Ignite Fuel ?

Carbon dioxide levels are very high whether the cigarette is being actively smoked or not. This will inhibit ignition of all but the
most sensitive gases
Summary
An unpleasant accompaniment to bed and furniture fires is the danger of death by burns or
smoke inhalation, even in the absence of flaming combustion. The fact that many persons who
smoke in bed have also consumed excessive amounts of alcohol increases the total hazard
greatly.
Where smoking is claimed as the source of a fire, very careful attention must be given to assure
that the claimed fuel is one that could be lighted by burning tobacco or, alternatively, the flame
from a discarded burning match, which is actually a much more likely source.
The use of medical oxygen by a smoker makes all materials saturated with oxygen much
more ignitable by smoking materials.
The majority of U.S. states have passed regulations mandating that cigarettes sold in those
states be designed to self-extinguish when not being smoked
These “Reduced Ignition Propensity” (R.I.P.) cigarettes are designed to self-extinguish within 5
minutes of being left unsmoked.