FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Comptroller Franchot, Fire Officials, and Elected Leaders Celebrate New Fire Safe Cigarette Law

Annapolis, MD (August 7, 2008) - Emphasizing his support for public safety and his commitment to protecting Maryland consumers, Comptroller Peter Franchot today joined with firefighters and public officials to celebrate the implementation of Maryland's fire safe cigarette law. The Comptroller highlighted the Maryland Cigarette Fire Safety Performance Standard and Firefighter Protection Act (HB 785) Chapter 497 of the Acts of Maryland (2007) at events in Silver Spring and Baltimore. The new law went into effect July 1, 2008.

"Today we mark a turning point in the battle for fire prevention and public safety here in Maryland," said Comptroller Franchot. "This law will help prevent Marylanders from the pain and tragedy caused by cigarette-induced fires; the leading cause of home fire deaths in the nation. In our role as regulator of tobacco products, my agents will vigorously enforce this law and do our part in preventing the needless deaths and destruction associated with cigarette fires."

Sponsored by Senator Mike Lenett (District 19) and Delegate James Malone, Jr. (District 12), the new legislation "prohibits cigarettes from being manufactured, sold, or offered for sale in Maryland unless the cigarettes have been tested and meet the performance standard specified in the bill and the manufacturer has filed written certification with the Comptroller that each cigarette has been tested."

In 2007, Maryland joined a growing number of states that have mandated fire standard compliant (FSC) cigarettes to be sold in stores. In 2008, the number of participating states grew as thirteen states passed legislation requiring all cigarettes sold are fire-safe. Currently, in the United States, 35 states have passed similar life-saving legislation which will better protect approximately 75% of the nation's population from cigarette-induced fires.

"I am proud to stand with our firefighters in celebration of this ground-breaking new law, which we could not have passed without their tremendous support," said Senator Mike Lenett (District 19). "I want to thank our firefighters for the job they do for us every day and for their dedication in helping us pass this measure. This landmark public safety legislation will save countless lives across Maryland and make our brave firefighters' jobs safer."

FSC cigarettes are required to meet criteria established by the American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM). The cigarettes have thicker bands of paper which restrict air flow. If left unattended, the bands of paper act as speed bumps slowing the cigarette burn and in most instances self-extinguishing. This lessens the chance of igniting upholstered furniture, bedding or other burnable objects resulting in a fire.

"This is a great piece of legislation, not only for the public but also for public safety officials," said Delegate James Malone, Jr. (District 12).

According to the National Fire Protection Association, cigarettes are the leading cause of home fires in the country. Between 700 and 900 people die each year in the United States as a result of fires caused by cigarettes.

"The Baltimore City Fire Department is very pleased that the Fire Safe Cigarette statute has been implemented. The loss of any life in our city due to cigarette smoking is too many and it's our hope that this statute will greatly impact the number of lives lost and property damage that occurs from cigarettes," states Baltimore City Fire Chief James Clack.

R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company and the Liggett Group have announced plans to incorporate fire-safe technology into all domestic cigarette brands by the end of 2009.

"We are very proud of our accomplishments on this issue in Maryland and anticipate the fire standard compliant cigarettes will help prevent both fires and fire deaths for years to come," states Maryland State Fire Marshal William E. Barnard.

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Contact: Caron Brace, (410) 260-7438 (office), (410) 212-9414 (cell)