Tree in Tullamore nearly catches fire due to carelessly discarded cigarette

A potential fire was narrowly avoided in Tullamore this week after a discarded cigarette butt ignited peat-filled clay in one of the mobile tree planters on William Street.

The incident began when it appears someone may have thrown a cigarette into the base of one of the trees. The clay, which contains highly flammable peat, began to smoulder. Staff from nearby businesses initially tried to extinguish the smoke by dousing it with water, but the smouldering continued for several hours.

Offaly County Council responded by pouring water into the planter, temporarily stopping the smoke. However, the smouldering resumed shortly afterward.

A second visit from council staff brought a more substantial response — four large containers of water were emptied into the planter, which finally extinguished the smouldering.

Officials are urging the public to dispose of cigarette butts properly, especially during dry weather, when the risk of fire is significantly heightened.