http://www.calgaryherald.com/technol....html#Comments
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Extinguishing cigarettes in peat moss is a really bad idea. Here's proof
Cigarettes in planters cause of six blazes
By Stephane Massinon, Calgary Herald June 14, 2011
The week after a fire destroyed two homes, the fire department said it is lobbying for changes to the building code and stressing the need for better education of the dangers of putting lit cigarettes in peat moss planters.
Two homes in Bridlewood were destroyed in a blaze last Thursday after a fire that started in a deck planter spread to a neighbouring home. That fire came weeks after a large fire in Citadel, also caused by a cigarette butt in a planter, destroyed three homes.
So far this year, six house fires have been caused by cigarettes in peat moss.
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Nice quote too:
The vinyl siding found on most new homes melts quickly under heat and exposes the particle board underneath.
Jim Rivait, executive officer Canadian Home Builders' Association, said the fire department's preferences could lead to additional costs.
"What people have to understand is that that's easy enough to say. When you add a foot to the side yard, which means you have a wider lot, in Calgary it's about $8,500 a foot to the consumer. If you're looking at two feet, that's $17,000," said Rivait.
"It's a cost that flows to the consumer."
Rivait said the fire-resistant membrane is being applied to new homes under construction, as stipulated by the building code.
"I suppose you could build a home out of cement and everybody would be really safe."
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What an asshole.