JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – The Jamestown Fire Department has joined a statewide effort to raise awareness of safely putting out smoking materials to prevent fires.

During a monthly statewide fire chief meeting, Jamestown Fire Chief Jim Reuther stated that Bismarck had begun seeing an dangerous increase in fires caused due to smoking materials.

Reuther stated that Jamestown has also seen an increase in smoking materials causing fires in the community, citing several incidents in the past year.

Chief Reuther reported that there are several things individuals can do to prevent fires caused by discarded or unattended smoking materials.

Chief Ruether stated that the reason for the campaign and raising awareness is because it’s the duty of the firefighters in the community to spread information and prevent these cases from happening.

You can find more information on the Jamestown Fire Department Facebook page or by calling the department at 701-252-1441. Click the image below to view some of the tips for “Operation: Butt Out.”