Media release from Harbour Health

Students at Massey University's Albany campus were shown the fatal impact of fires at a recent 'smokefree saves lives' event held on Wednesday, 26 May 2010.

The event, part of the lead up to World Smokefree Day on 31 May, showed how smoking is both a fire hazard and a health risk.

The event was hosted by the New Zealand Fire Service in partnership with Harbour Health PHO and supported by other health agencies.

"We were getting the message across to students who smoke, to make a quit attempt or at the least take the smoke outside," said Lis Cowling team leader Harbour Health.

Cigarette smoking inside the home is a major cause of fatal house fires. The Fire Service recommends that people use proper ash trays and that make sure cigarettes are stubbed out properly.

Harbour Health says the combined new approach emphasises the health risks as well as the fire risk from smoking.

During the event Auckland Fire Region Fire Safety Officer Gary Beer demonstrated the danger of kitchen fires and just how fast they can develop. "Many people try to put out an oil fire with water, but this just spreads the flames as the oil is pushed out of the pot. The speed of fire takes many people by surprise, so the safest thing to do is to get out and dial 111," said Mr Beer.

North Shore City Mayor, Andrew Williams and NZ Breakers' players Thomas Abercrombie and Alex Pledger and Academy Player, Brad Anderson, showed their support.

The Breakers' players took to the basketball court in the campus atrium, taking on three students who were dressed as giant cigarettes.  The players signed autographs and gave away signed prizes of branded smokefree basketballs.

The day saw 13 Quit Cards issued, which give smokers access to up to two months nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) upon redemption.

Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) says the event shows the benefit of a combined approach to tackling smoking.

"Having different organisations provides new opportunities for promoting the smokefree message. We had the fire risk side, but we also had Albany Care Chemist waiving the $3 script fee for the NRT," said ASH communications manager Michael Colhoun.

The health groups gave advice on how to quit smoking provided resources and carried out lung age testing.

Massey University's Student Health and Counselling Centre is able to provide continuing support for students who are considering a quit attempt this World Smokefree Day.