Inuvik (Oct 18/04) - Eight years of lobbying the federal government by firefighters across Canada may soon pay off in lives saved, says Al German, fire chief of the Inuvik fire department.

After years of firefighters lobbying the federal government, Al German, fire chief of the Inuvik fire department, said new legislation will see cigarettes become self-extinguishing next year. - Dorothy Westerman/NNSL photo

Earlier this month, the Liberal government passed legislation requiring cigarettes be made self-extinguishing.

"Finally they took us seriously," said German, also the NWT Director of Protective Services. "Any cigarette sold in Canada will have to meet the standards."

German said the issue was raised during the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs 96th annual meeting in St. John's, Nfld., last month.

He said the change was a highlight of the conference, entitled the Training and Education Symposium 2004, which saw fire chiefs from across Canada meet to discuss concerns and issues in fire rescue.

"The change will have a great impact," German said.

Starting October 2005, all cigarettes sold in Canada must have a reduced ignition propensity.

German said cigars already meet those standards.

"Cooking and cigarettes mixed with alcohol are the number one cause of fires," German said.

Many people die each year as a result of falling asleep with cigarette in hand, causing a major fire, he said.

Glen Gordon, fire chief in Aklavik, said while his community has not seen tragedy as a result of burning cigarettes, the change is a positive one.

"It's a very good idea," Gordon said.

Paulatuk fire chief and mayor Keith Dodge agreed.

"Cigarettes have been the cause of many the fire over the years. It's time they brought change in," Dodge said. "It will save lives and save a lot on insurance as well."