All of the fatal accidental house fires in Lincolnshire last year were caused by smoking materials.
The figures have just be released by Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue and also show that the overall number of accidental house fires has fallen every year since 2010.
In 2012, one in 13 accidental fires in the home were caused by smoking materials, with three resulting in someone’s death.
This was up from just one fatality in 2011.
In 2012, 14 per cent of casualties in accidental house fires caused by smoking materials needed more help than could be given at the scene and had to be taken to hospital.
The statistics published for the first time also show that the number of house fires caused by smoking has fallen from 28 in 2011 t0 16 in 2012, but of those fires more are fatal.
Debbie Robinson, deputy community fire safety manager at Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue, said: “Nationally and within Lincolnshire statistics show that smoking materials cause more fire-related deaths than any other domestic fires.
“These accidental fires often start when people are at their most vulnerable, which is why they are so often fatal.
“We are encouraging people not to smoke when feeling tired, especially in bed or lounging in a chair, andto remember medication or alcohol can make you drowsy.”