N.H. Lawmakers Approve Fire-Safe Cigarette Mandate

A plan to require all cigarettes sold in New Hampshire to be fire-safe is headed to the governor.

Supporters, including many of the state’s fire chiefs, say the measure would improve public safety by reducing fire risks. The cigarettes extinguish themselves when left unattended.

The House on Thursday agreed to some changes made by the Senate, including moving back the date the law goes into effect. The governor supports the bill, which would require that fire-safe cigarettes be sold exclusively by Oct. 1, 2007.