Nanaimo Fire Rescue fire prevention officers are cautioning people to make sure smoking materials are completely extinguished and properly disposed of in fireproof containers.
With warmer weather on the way and little rainfall over the past month, Nanaimo Fire Rescue has responded to several small bark mulch fires started by poorly discarded smoking materials.
"With the increase in temperatures, the fine fuels are starting to dry out and we've had an increase in bark mulch fire caused by poorly discarded smoking materials," said Capt. Ennis Mond, fire prevention officer.
Another common cause of serious fires at homes is smoking materials extinguished in potted plants on sun decks or near homes where fire easily spreads to the house.
People are also urged to not throw cigarettes out the car window.
People discarding anything out a vehicle window can be fined $100 under the city's littering bylaw.