The federal government should force tobacco manufacturers to produce low fire risk cigarettes, Australia's Labour Party said yesterday.

The sale of reduced fire risk cigarettes in Australia moved a step closer this week as Standards Australia released a draft plan for testing their performance. The special cigarettes commonly have ultra-thin paper bands, known as speed humps, along their length that stop them burning unless they are being inhaled. The cigarettes were made compulsory in New York State in June 2004 and Canada in 2005, with California expected to introduce similar laws next year, Standards Australia said.
According to an Australasian Fire Authorities Council review, more than 12 fires a day are caused by cigarettes in Australia. Reportedly about 14 people in Australia die from cigarette-caused fires annually.
Standards Australia expects state and federal governments will consider including the standard in legislation when they are given a final copy by the end of the year.
The draft standard, which was developed in association with the New South Wales fire brigade, the tobacco industry, fire protection industry and scientists, recommends testing the new product to determine if it is less likely to stay alight when placed on furniture materials. Public comment is being sought until 6 October. (pi)