Discarded smoking materials in trash can leads to fire in Salisbury

SALISBURY, Md. – Officials say a fire in Salisbury Thursday afternoon was accidental.

The fire was reported just before 4:30 p.m. at 695 Fitzwater Street. The fire began in an outside trash can and was quickly extinguished, but ultimately caused an estimated $5,000 in damages.

It was further determined that the fire began as a result of carelessly discarded smoking materials. The City Fire Marshal is reminding citizens to fully extinguish smoking materials completely using deep, sturdy ashtrays containing water. You should never toss cigarettes on the ground or in a trash can, as a single ember can spark a fire.