AMHERST, MA — AUGUST 31, 2026 — According to a department report, the Amherst Fire Department responded to two occurrences over the weekend that were linked to the negligent disposal of smoking materials.

Observing bystanders reported both occurrences, enabling firefighters to act before the fires could spread. The calls made clear how crucial it is to report smoke or fire situations as soon as possible, especially when discarded cigarets or other smoking materials are involved.

National fire data continued to show the risk associated with smoking materials. The National Fire Protection Association estimated that smoking materials caused an annual average of 15,209 reported home structure fires in the United States from 2019 through 2023. Those fires resulted in an estimated 590 civilian deaths, 1,048 injuries and $674 million in direct property damage annually.

Amherst firefighters also supported local fire-prevention education through the department's SAFE program, which taught residents about tobacco-related fire hazards and other home fire-safety practices