Cigarettes Caused 2 Cape Cod Fires In 1 Week

FALMOUTH, MA — A weekend fire in Falmouth should be used as a helpful fire safety reminder, fire department officials said.

On Sunday, the Falmouth Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire on Carriage Shop Road.

"Thankfully, the homeowner had already taken quick action and used a garden hose to extinguish the flames," officials said.

Upon arrival, firefighters found smoldering mulch and some damage to the nearby latticework and electrical conduit.

So what should residents be careful with when it comes to fire safety?

"This incident highlights a very important safety reminder: please be careful with the disposal of cigarettes, especially near mulch around your home," fire officials said.

"This is the second fire in the past week linked to careless disposal of smoking materials. Even a small smoldering fire can quickly escalate with dry conditions and wind."

Last week, a home was deemed uninhabitable due to improper disposal of smoking materials.

• Read more: No Injuries, But Cape Cod Home 'Uninhabitable' After Fire