In the day-to-day operations of running a business, fire risk might not be top of mind - until it becomes a reality. One overlooked yet serious source of workplace fires? Smoking at work. A single cigarette, improperly extinguished, can spark a fire that causes devastating property damage, endangers lives, and halts business operations for weeks or even months. In a vibrant city like St. Petersburg, where restaurants, hotels, retail shops, and office buildings often share walls and square footage - fire safety is critical.
Many older buildings downtown or in districts like EDGE or Grand Central don’t have modern suppression systems, making them even more vulnerable. Read on to learn how smoking-related fires happen, who’s most at risk, and what you can do to protect your St. Pete business.
How Smoking at Work Becomes a Fire Hazard
Despite “no smoking” signs and policies, workplace smoking remains a leading cause of preventable fires. Here’s how:
- Careless Disposal - Tossing lit cigarette butts into regular trash cans or dry landscaping is a common cause of accidental ignition.
- Flammable Surroundings - Smoking near cleaning products, stacks of paper, or fabric-lined furnishings creates a perfect storm for combustion.
- Overflowing Ashtrays - Ashtrays filled with smoldering cigarette butts can easily catch fire, especially when left unattended.
- Inappropriate Locations - Employees may smoke indoors or in storage areas to avoid the heat, rain, or being seen, significantly increasing the risk.
- Improper Extinguishing - Flicking a cigarette that appears “out” into a trash bin or planter can lead to delayed smoldering and eventual ignition.
- Humidity and Heat - In St. Pete’s warm, damp climate, smoke particles cling to surfaces longer, increasing the risk of secondary damage and persistent odors.
Even one of these scenarios can lead to a costly disaster—especially in tightly packed commercial areas like Central Avenue or mixed-use buildings downtown.
Industries in St. Petersburg Most at Risk
No business is immune to fire risk, but certain industries in St. Petersburg face elevated exposure due to their structure, customer base, or day-to-day operations:
- Restaurants and Bars - Outdoor patios often encourage smoking, and improperly discarded cigarettes can ignite trash or furniture.
- Hotels and Resorts - Guest smoking, staff breaks, and large volumes of linen and paper products increase the hazard.
- Office Buildings - Especially in older downtown buildings, improper disposal in break rooms or stairwells can become a serious threat.
- Retail Shops - Smoking in back storage areas near cardboard boxes, fabrics, and plastic wrap poses a real risk.
- Industrial Facilities - Flammable chemicals and electrical equipment amplify the danger of even a small fire.
- Healthcare Facilities - While smoking is banned in most areas, unauthorized staff smoking in secluded areas still occurs.
- Historic Buildings - Many lack up-to-date suppression systems and have outdated wiring, making them more vulnerable to fire.
Florida’s Workplace Smoking Regulations You Should Know
Florida takes workplace smoking seriously—and so should every business owner in St. Pete. Here’s what you need to know:
- Florida Clean Indoor Air Act - Prohibits smoking in most indoor workplaces, including offices, restaurants, and retail environments.
- Exceptions -Stand-alone bars and some outdoor areas may allow smoking under certain conditions.
- Local Ordinances - St. Petersburg has additional rules that restrict smoking in public parks, beaches, and some outdoor commercial zones.
- Fines & Penalties - Non-compliance can result in citations, fines, or worse if a fire occurs.
- Policy Clarity - Your employee handbook should include a well-defined smoking policy outlining designated areas and disposal rules.
- Training Matte - Ensure your team knows the fire risks associated with smoking and understands proper disposal techniques.
Fire Prevention Tips for St. Petersburg Businesses
Preventing smoking-related fires doesn’t require a massive overhaul—just intentional steps and consistency. Start with these simple strategies:
- Designated Smoking Areas - Create outdoor smoking zones at a safe distance from buildings, doors, and landscaping.
- Use Proper Receptacles - Provide sturdy, fire-safe containers with sand or water for extinguishing and disposing of cigarette butts.
- Empty Ashtrays Often - Don’t let smoking stations become fire hazards themselves.
- Conduct Regular Fire Safety Inspections - Especially important in older buildings common in the EDGE District or Central Avenue corridor.
- Install Suppression Systems - Sprinklers, extinguishers, and fire alarms should be up-to-date and accessible.
- Train Staff - Regular fire drills and policy refreshers keep fire safety top of mind.
- Post Clear Signage - Mark no-smoking zones prominently, especially near flammable materials or electrical rooms.
These actions can drastically reduce the risk of a smoking-related fire—and show your staff and customers that their safety matters.
What to Do if a Fire Breaks Out at Your Business
- Evacuate Immediately - Don’t wait—get everyone out and to safety.
- Call 911 - Alert emergency responders as soon as possible.
- Use Fire Alarms and Suppression Systems - If safe to do so, activate sprinklers or use extinguishers.
- Avoid Elevators - Use stairs only.
- Call Restoration Experts - Contact a fire damage restoration provider like ServiceMaster DSI to begin cleanup and recovery.
- Document the Damage - Photos and videos help when filing insurance claims.
- Review Your Fire Safety Plan - Learn from the incident to strengthen your response next time.
Local Help When Fire Damage Strikes Your Business
St. Pete’s coastal climate brings unique challenges after a fire. Humidity can trap smoke odors and encourage mold growth—especially in buildings where water suppression was used. If your property is in an older building or mixed-use space downtown, you may be dealing with tight quarters, shared walls, or outdated infrastructure. That’s where ServiceMaster DSI – St. Petersburg comes in. As a local expert, we understand the city’s architecture, climate, and building codes. Our commercial fire damage restoration services include:
We know how important it is to get your business back up and running—and we’re ready to help every step of the way.
Keep Your Business Safe and Smoke-Free
Smoking at work remains one of the top causes of fires in commercial spaces—but with the right policies, practices, and partners, it’s a risk you can manage. Start by reviewing your current smoking policies. Is your team trained? Are your disposal areas secure? Does your building have the right fire safety equipment? If you’re unsure or have already experienced a fire, don’t wait. Call on local experts who understand the unique needs of St. Petersburg businesses.
Protect your property, your people, and your peace of mind—start by making your workplace fire-safe today.
